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APARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION
(IRELAND),

REPO R T

DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY,

grmnitir io botfe fousts of f ariiammt bg ffiommanti of jis -giijtsU;.

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION

(IRELAND).

REPORT

OF THE

DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE OE INQUIRY.

presented to both Rouses of parliament bn Conxmaitb of His Hlajestj).

D UBL1N:

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1907.

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Dublin Castle,

5 th June, 1907.

Sir,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant
forwarding, for submission to His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant, the
Report of the Committee appointed, by the Warrant of the Lords Justices
of Ireland dated 31st March, 1906, to inquire into certain matters con-
nected with the Department of Agriculture and other Industries and
Technical Instruction for Ireland.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

J. B. DOUGHERTY.

The Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

and technical Instruction Inquiry Committee,
Dublin.

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iii

CONTENTS.

WARRANT of Lords Justices appointing Committee,
REPORT

Introductory,

Agricultural Education in Ireland prior to the Act of .
Action of Commissioners of National Education,

The Albert Institution, Glasnevin,

The Munster Institution, Cork, .

Movement of 1895, .

Recess Committee,

Example of Foreign Countries, .

Parliamentary Action, 1896-1899, •

Bills of 1896-1897, . . • • • '

Agriculture and Technical Instruction (Ireland) Act, l»yy, •
Constitution of,

Central Authorities, consisting of,

The Department, •

Council of Agriculture;

Agricultural Board,

Board of Technical Instruction,

Local Authorities, consisting of,

County and Local Committees,

Consultative Committee of Education,

Finance, Endowment Fund, •

III.

The Working of the Act of 1899, .

Relations of Department to
The Irish Government, .

Parliament, -

Position of the

Vice-President, ..••••
President, , . • • •

Responsibility to Parliament of Chief Secretary and Department,
Council of Agriculture ; its powers and relations to Department,
Agricultural Board ; its powers and relations to Department,
Representative character of Council and Boards,

County Councils’ General Council,

The nominated element on Council and Boards, .

Pape
. viii

The Methods adopted by the Department in administering the Act of 1899 as regards Agriculture
and other Rural Industries and Sea Fisheries : — • ■

Agriculture, ••••••

1. Agricultural Education, .

(a) Action of Central Authority,

Organisation of Agricultural Education,
Training of Instructors, .

(a) Agricultural Education for men and youths,
Royal College of Science,

Employment of Students in Ireland,
Albert Institution
Horticultural Students, .

After-career of Students,

Agricultural Stations,

Clonakilty, .

Athenry, .

Ballyhaise, .

General observations,

Winter Classes, .

20
20
21
21
21
22
22
23
23
23
25
25
25

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ifi) Agricultural Education for girls and women, ...... 27

The Munster Institution, 27

Relations of Board of. Governors and Department; observations and suggestion, . 28

Subsequent Working of the Institution, 30

Loughrey Institution, ....... 30

Rural Schools, ......... go

System adopted, , . . . . . .31

Bean-an-Tiglie Classes, . . . . . . 39

(b) Joint Action of Central and Local Authorities, . . . . .32

Itinerant Instruction, . . . . . . . .32

County Committees, . . . . . . .32

Composition of County Committees, ...... 3 ^

Rating Powers, ........ 33

Itinerant Instructors, . . . .33

Pioneer Lectures. . . . . , . .33

Development of System, . . . . . . .35

Employment of Instructors by Local Authorities, . . .35

Rate for Agricultural Purposes ....... 36

County Schemes, ......... 36

Appointment of Instructors, . . . . . . .36

Local Committees, . . . . . . . .36

Schemes submitted to Local Authorities . . . . .36

Difficulties in Donegal, ....... 37

Growth of Itinerant Instruction, . . . . . . .38

Relations of Primary and Agricultural Education, ... .38

Model Farms, ....... 39

School Gardens, . . ...... 39

Other Functions of Instructors ; Experiments and Demonstrations, . . 40

Leaflets, ........ 41

Advice, ........ 44

Home Dairying, ........ 41

Poultry-keeping, ......... .42

Bee-keeping, ...... 42

General Observations, 42

2. Assistance to Agriculture otherwise than by Educational
Royal Dublin Society,

(a) County Schemes, ....
Advisory Committees,

Live Stock Schemes,

Bull Scheme, ...

Proposed restrictions on inferior bulls,
Improvement in Store Cattle,

Scheme for Milking Cattle,

Restriction of Scheme to pure bred bulls,
Horse-breeding Scheme, .

Details of Scheme,

Irish Draught Horse, .

Supplemental Schemes,

Swine Scheme, ....

Local evidence as to working of Swine Scheme
General Results,

Poultry Scheme,

New and improved methods of distribution,
Local Evidence,

Local Shows, ....

Scheme of Prizes for Cottages and small Farms,
Flax Scheme, ....

(b) Direct Action of Central Authority,

Seed-testing Station,

Creameries, ....

Winter- Dairying,

Cheese-making,

Tobacco, . .

Early Potato-growing,

Fruit-growing, ....

Fruit Industries at Drogheda and Portadown
Special Investigations,

Barley-growing,

Calf-feeding,

Diseases in Cattle,

Co-operation, . . • .

Irish Agricultural' Organisation Society,
Agricultural Credit,

Transit

Transit Inspector's, ....

Action under Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888,
Officer resident' in England, .

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3 Application of the Methods of the Department to the Congested Districts,
Course of Legislation, ..••••
Transfer of agricultural work in congested districts to Department,
Financial arrangements, . . . • •

Agricultural work of Congested Districts Board,

Action of the Department, •

Suitability of pedigree stock to congested areas,

Suggested alternative methods in congested districts,

Review of alternative proposals, ....

Financial arrangements for congested areas,

B-

Other Rural Industries,

Definition of Rural Industries, .

Forestry, ■

Commissioners of Woods and Forests,
Commissioners of Public Works,
Congested Districts Board, .
Department’s action,

Preservation of existing Woods,
Private Planting,

Loans for Planting, .

Planting by public bodies, .
Afforestation,

Avondale Forestry Station,

Mining and Quarrying, .

Proposed Amendment of Act,

State assistance to Industries,

Provisions of Act of 1899,

Inspectors of Fisheries,

Fishery Legislation, ....
Bye-laws, ,

1. Sea Fisheries,

Endowment Fund,

Fishery Loans in non-congested Districts,
Piers and Harbours,

Relations with Congested Districts Board,
Duplication of Authorities,

Instruction in Fishing,

Oyster Fisheries, . . .

Salmon,

Mackerel and Herring Brand, .

2. Inland Fisheries,

Financial Assistance from Endowment Fund,
Salmon and Trout Hatcheries, .

Value of Inland Fisheries,

Eel Fisheries, ....
Administrative Arrangements,

Protection, ....

3. Scientific Work,

Investigations,

Scheme for complete control of Salmon River,
Grants for Research, .

Technical Instruction : — . . . • •

Position as to Technical Instruction in 1899, • • •

Relations of Technical Education to Elementary and Secondary Education,
Educational Field of the Department,

Relations to Elementary Education, ....

Secondary Schools, . . ...

Messrs. Dale and Stephens’ Report, ...

Secondary School Heeds, ....
Laboratories and Workshops, .....
Science Teachers, . - • • • . •

Manual Instructors, . • ...

Girls' Secondary Schools, •

Convent Schools, . . • < • • •

Committee of Heads of Secondary Schools, •

Dual Administration of Secondary. Schools, ■

Further Education, .....

Continuation Classes, . . • •

Funds available, . . . • •

Dual Administration of Evening Schools, .

Change necessary. . ...

7 ^

74
74

75
75
75

77
77
77

80
81
81
81
82
82

84
84

85
85

90
30

91
91

92
92

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Local Authorities for Technical Instruction,

Authorities concerned,

Functions of the Department, ....

Local Committees, ...

Procedure and Relations of Department to Local Committees,
County Boroughs, . . . . •

Evidence as to Relations generally,

Conditions and Methods of Technical Instruction, .

Powers conferred by the Act, ....

Promotion of Industrial welfare, ....

Passing aspects of work, .....

Permanent Methods, .....

Whole-time Training, .....

Part-time Training, .....

Evening Schools, ......

Practical aim in Primary Schools, ....

Some Special Courses, .....

Home Occupations and Industries, ....

Domestic Arts, ......

Bean-an-Tighe Classes,

Home Industries, ......

Relation of Technical Instruction to Industries,

Efficiency of Methods of Technical Instruction,

Relations of such work to remunerative results,

Restriction of powers given by the Act,

Demand for further aid to industries other than rural,

Terms of the definition of “ Technical Instruction,”

Central Institutions, . ...

Institutions transferred to Department,

Botanic Gardens, .....

College of Science, .....

National Library, .....

Metropolitan School of Art, ....

Museum of Science and Art, ...

Buildings, .......

Assistance required for cost of buildings,

Buildings in Urban areas, .

Buildings in Rural areas, .....

Village Halls, ......

Estimated of assistance required for Technical School buildings,

100

101

102

103

104
104
104
104
104
104
104
104

104

105
105

105

106

VI.

Transferred Powers and Duties, . . . . . • • .107

Transfer of Powers of Privy Council, Veterinary Department, .... 107

Suggestions, ........... 107

Royal Veterinary College, . . . . . . • • .108

Destructive Insects Act, . . . . . • • • .108

Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, . . . . • • • • 108

Statistics, ........ t 109

Markets and Fairs, Weighing of Cattle Acts, 1887 and 1891, .... 109

VII.

Finance, . . . . . . . • • • ■ .110

Sources of Revenue, . . . . . • • • • .110

Endowment Fund, . . . . . • • • .110

Annual Income, . . . . . . • • • .110

Capital, . . . . . . . • .110

Accumulations, . . . . . . • • • .111

Appropriations of accumulated Funds . . . • • • .111

Financial position, . . . . . . . . • .111

Expenditure by Agricultural Board, . . . . . . . .112

Need for Economy, . . . . . . . . .112

Parliamentary Vote, . . . . . . . . .113

Staff of the Department, , . . . . . .113

Expenditure on Enquiries, etc , . . . . . . . .114

Expenditure on Royal College of Science, . . . . . .114

Technical Instruction Grant — Equivalent Grant/’ . . . . .114

Incidence of Charges, . . . . . . . . .115

Expenditure in Congested Districts, . . . . . . . .115

Application of Joint Fund in Congested Districts, . . . . . .116

Recommendation, . . . . . . . . . .116

Cost of Supplemental Schemes, . . . . . . . .116

Cost of County Schemes, . . . . . . . . .116

Financial changes recommended, . . . . . . . .116

Further Expenditure on Agricultural Stations, . . . . .117

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I’aga

•Finance — continued.

Forestry,

Fisheries,

The “ Helga,”
Marine Works,
Oyster Culture,
Barrow Drainage,

117

118
118
118

vnr.

Concluding Observations, Suggestions, and Recommendations
The Department, .

Office of Yice-President, . . • •

Recommendation, .

Council of Agriculture and Agricultural Board.
Agricultural Board — Publication of Proceedings,

Board of Technical Instruction,

Recommendation, .

Consultative Committee,

Other Recommendations,

Suitability of the Methods followed by Department, .
Stall of Department, ...

119

120
121

122

123

125

Memorandum by Mr. S. J. Brown, . • • . • , . ,, . »

Memorandum on the working of the County Schemes (Agricultural) m each of the Counties of

Memorandum on certain Agricultural questions prepared at the request of the Chairman, by the
Hon. John Dryden, and referred to in the Report as Mr. Dryden’s Memorandum, . *

126

127

148

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WARRANT APPOINTING THE COMMITTEE.

By the Lords Justices General and General Governors of Ireland.

S. WALKER, C.

GRENFELL.

WE hereby nominate and appoint Sir Kenelm Edward Digby, K.G.,
K.C.B., late Under Secretary of State for the Home Department (Chair-
man); the Honourable John Dryden, late Minister of Agriculture in
Ontario; William Lawson Micks, Esq., Member of the Local Government
Board for Ireland; Francis Grant Ogilvie, Esq., Principal Assistant Secre-
tary for Technology in the Board of Education; and Stephen James Brown,
Esq., J.P., Chairman of the County Kildare County Council, to be a Com-
mittee to inquire into and report upon the following matters connected with
the Department of Agriculture and other Industries and Technical In-
struction for Ireland, viz. : —

- To inquire and report whether the provisions of the Agriculture and
Technical Instruction (Ireland) Act, 1899, constituting the Department,
and the methods which the Department has followed in carrying out those
provisions, have been shown by experience to be well suited to the conditio.'] s
of Ireland; whether any, and, if so, what changes are desirable in those
provisions and methods; and to report also upon the relations of the De-
partment to the Council of Agriculture, to the Agricultural Board, and to
the Board of Technical Instruction; upon its relations to local statutory
bodies ; upon the funds at its disposal, and the modes of employing them ;
and upon its position in regard to other Departments, especially those
charged with educational functions.

We further appoint John James Taylor, Esq., C.B., I.S.O., to be Secre-
tary to the Committee.

Given at Dublin Castle, the 31st day of March, 1906.

By Their Excellencies’ Command,

J. B. DOUGHERTY

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Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction (Ireland)
Inquiry Committee.

May it please Your Excellency,

We were directed by the terms of the, Warrant of the^ Lords Justices,
dated 31st March, 1906,

“ To inquire and report whether the provisions of the Agriculture and Technical Instruction
(Ireland) Act, 1899, constituting the Department, and the methods which the Department has
followed in carrying out those provisions, have been shown by experience to be well suited to the
conditions of Ireland ; whether any, and, if so, what changes are desirable in those provisions and
methods ; and to report also upon the relations of the Department to the Council of Agriculture,
to the Agricultural Board, and to the Board of Technical Instruction • upon its relations to local
statutory bodies ; upon the funds at its disposal, and the modes of employing them ; and upon its
position in regard to other Departments, especially those charged with educational functions.”

In endeavouring to carry out these directions we deemed it our duty to
consult all the bodies entrusted with statutory powers under the provisions of
the above-mentioned Act, hereinafter referred to as the Act of L899, and with
this object we caused a circular letter to be addressed to each of these bodies
inviting its written observations upon the questions referred to us. This
letter, dated 14th April, 1906, a copy of which is set out in the Appendix,
was sent to the councils of 33 administrative counties, 6 county boroughs,
and 89 urban districts, as well as to the several committees appointed under
the 14th Section of the Act of 1899, as follows:— 21 county committees of
agriculture, 12 county committees of agriculture and technical instruction, 21
county joint committees of technical instruction, 6 county borough committees
of technical instruction, and 27 urban district technical instruction committees.
Two hundred and fifteen local statutory bodies were thus addressed, from
sixty-eight of whom we received written communications. Such of these
replies as are not sufficiently quoted in the Minutes of evidence, or were not
put in evidence by witnesses examined before us, are printed in the Appendix.

We held 49 Sittings for the reception of vivd-voce evidence, namely, 8 in
London, 24 in Dublin, 2 in Cork, 2 in Limerick, 1 in Galway, 1 in Castlebar,
1 in Sligo, 3 in Londonderry, 4 in Belfast, 2 in Waterford, and 1 in
Kilkenny. Our first Sitting was held in London on the 27th April, and
our final Sitting for the reception of oral evidence was held on the 23rd
November, 1906, also in London. All such Sittings were open to the public
and to the Press. We held 17 Sittings for the consideration of the Report,
which was finally agreed on by the majority of the Committee on the 6th
May, 1907.

We examined the Vice-President and principal officers on the staff of the
Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, and a large number of
witnesses who were deputed to give evidence on behalf of the local bodies
named. In addition to these representative witnesses, several other persons
gave evidence, either as volunteers on their own behalf, or as representing
particular interests. In all 264 witnesses were examined, and we may observe
m this connection that in every instance where, in response to our invitation,
witnesses were deputed to give evidence before us by local representative
bodies, they were afforded an opportunity of appearing. Evidence was taken
from every county in Ireland except Longford. Four witnesses were nomi-
nated by the council of that county, but they were unable to attend on the
date fixed for the reception of their evidence.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN IRELAND PRIOR TO THE
ACT OF 1899.

1. The earliest attempt by Government to introduce any sort of system of
agricultural education in Ireland appears to have been made in the year 1837
by the Commissioners of National Education. In that year a scheme of
providing farms and gardens attached to National Schools was adopted. The

Introductory.

Appendix LXV .

Ib.

Action of Com-
missioners of
National
Education.

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RMH^Onmnittee’i Commissioners in 1838 established a model farm at Glasnevin, near Dublin, for
Sir Patrick Keenan’s the purpose of giving a training in agriculture to National School Teachers,
LiilSnSt order t ? lat ™ stru . otion in agriculture and horticulture might form part of

cultural Education the teaching given in elementary schools. For various reasons which will be
2 nd Report of more discussed at a later stage of this Report, the results achieved

Technical Instruction under the Commissioners were extremely small, and the whole system finally
Vo“S S p°. n 27 i. came to an end about the year 1900. When, therefore, the Act of 1899
See Dr. starkie’s came into operation, there was little or no instruction in agriculture carried
evidence, quoted on through the agency of the primary schools.

below, par. 75. a

Dr. Starkie, 3871;

The Albert 2. In 1854 the Model Farm at Glasnevin was enlarged. It was opened on

Institution. the occasion of the visit of the Queen and Prince Consort to Dublin in that year,

and was thenceforward known as the “ Albert Agricultural College and Dairy
Training Department at Glasnevin ” (styled in the Act of 1899 and hereafter
in this Report the Albert Institution). Courses were instituted for the
separate training of male and female students at different times of the year.
This system continued until the changes consequent on the passing of the
Act of 1899.

The Munster
Institution.

Sir G. Colthurst,
4788.

4790.

Ludlow Beamish,
4809.

Appendix LXVI.

Paragraphs 51-4.

3. In 1853, by the efforts of some influential residents in the county of
Cork, an Agricultural School for young men was established by the
Commissioners of National Education at a farm, Bally gaggin, near Cork. A
sum of £970 was collected for the establishment and maintenance of
this school from residents in the neighbourhood. A grant of £4,400
was obtained out of the Fund called the Irish Reproductive Loan Fund.
The school, however, was not successful, and in 1873 the Commissioners
advised its abandonment. The farm was subsequently advertised for sale,
but before any sale could be effected a strenuous effort was made, under the
influence of the late Dr. Sullivan, the Principal of the Queen’s College, Cork,
to induce the county Cork Agricultural Society to take steps for the
preservation of the school and for placing it upon a more satisfactory basis.
A _ scheme was framed for training young women in the best methods of
dairying, and for holding two sessions a year for this purpose. The sanction
of the Commissioners, and subsequently of the Treasury, was obtained, in
each case with some difficulty, and the school was re-opened on August 16,
1880, on the basis above stated, and a Committee of Management appointed.
A small number of male students continued to be trained at the school
at times of the year when the female students were not in residence. The
male students, however, were few in number, and this part of the scheme did
not work successfully. The dairy school for girls was far more satisfactory,
and in 1888 the accommodation provided was fully taken up. A Ladies’
Committee was formed, who, in addition to the dairy training, provided
instruction in plain cookery and needlework and in household management.
About 1886 the Committee of the Munster Dairy School became anxious to
establish a separate school for male students. After unsuccessful applications
for aid from Government for this purpose, a grant of £2,000 was at length
obtained from the Treasury, to be applied to some purpose of agricultural
education, without any definite appropriation to the proposed school for male
students. Subsequently, on May 21, 1894, a scheme framed on the recom-
mendation of the Educational Endowment Commissioners came into force by
Order in Council under the Educational Endowments (Ireland) Act, 1885.
By this scheme a governing body of the institution was established and
incorporated, and it was among other things provided that, subject to the
other provisions of the scheme, and to the rules and regulations of the
Commissioners, the Governors might exercise general supervision and control
J7 er . schools and the Institute, A copy of the scheme is set out in
the Appendix. Iiow the Act of 1899 dealt with the Munster Institution, the
action of the Department of Agriculture in relation to it, and its present
position and functions, will be dealt with later in this Report.

Recess Com-
mittee.

4. A fresh movement was originated in 1895 for the advancement of
agriculture and other industries in Ireland. A prominent feature in this

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movement was the proposal to establish an improved system of agricultural
education. In August, 1895, Mr. now Sir Horace Plunkett, then a member
of Parliament, proposed, in a letter published in the Irish Press, that a
Committee should be formed, consisting of persons of various political opinions,
nominated in the first instance by Irish members of Parliament, with power
to add to their number. The object was to frame a scheme of legislation to
be suggested to the Government then in power, the two principal features of
which should be the establishment of a Board of Agriculture for Ireland and
the promotion of Technical Education. The proposal met with very general
approval, and a Committee, known as the Recess Committee, was formed on
the lines suggested, consisting of the following members : —

Chairman — Hon. Horace Plunkett, M.P.

The Earl of Mayo

The Lord Monteagle, K.P.

Eight Hon. the Lord Mayor of Dublin
Right Hon The O’Conor Don, H.M.L.
Right Hon. Joseph M. Meade, LL.D,
Right Hon. Thomas Sinclair, D.L.

Sir John Arnott, Bart.. D.L.

Sir Thomas Lea, Bart, M.P.

John Redmond, M.P.

John H. Parnell, M.P.

Richard M. Dane, Q.C., M.P

William Field, M.P.

Hon. Mr. Justice Ross

Right Rev. Monsignor Molloy, D.D.

Thomas Andrews

Valentine B. Dillon

C. Litton Falkiner

Rev. T. A. Finlay, S.J., F.R.UJ.

Thomas P. Gill

Joseph E. Kenny, M.D.

H. Brougham Leech, LL D.

Count Moore, D.L.

5. The report of the Recess Committee was issued in July, 1896. A
leading feature in the report was the full account contained both in the
body of the report and the appendices of the system of State aid to Agriculture
and Technical Instruction in Denmark, France, Holland, Belgium, Wurtem-
burg, Switzerland, Bavaria, Hungary, and Austria.

6. The recent history of agricultural progress in Denmark appeared to the
Committee to afford the most instructive suggestions as to the measures of
legislation and administration which it was hoped might be attended with
similar results in Ireland. Statistics were quoted showing that Denmark
stood second (next to England) amongst European nations in the proportion
of wealth to population. A hundred years before it was one of the poorest
countries in Europe. The change in the circumstances of Denmark is attributed
to the progress the country has made in recent years in agriculture. Figures
are given in the report which appear fully to bear out these statements. The
export of butter, eggs, and bacon from Denmark to the United Kingdom
in 1895 reached the large figure of £8,900,869, an increase of more than 1^
millions over the export of the same products two years previously. It is very
instructive to notice that the great advance in this export trade was of recent
growth. The trade in butter had grown up within twenty years of the date
of the report, the trade in bacon within eight years. The beginning of the
advance was, in fact, nearly contemporaneous with, and in a sense arose
out of, the great depression of agriculture throughout Europe which occurred
in the last quarter of the 19 th century. The superior knowledge and
instruction at the command of the Danish farmer, the system of co-
operation which prevailed through the action of Danish agricultural
societies, resulted in the abandonment of corn-growing for export and the
concentration of the attention of the agricultural classes on dairy farming and
cattle breeding. At the same time, there being no duty on imported cereals,
the farmers were able to obtain abundance of cheap imported foodstuffs for
cattle, an opportunity which contributed greatly to the advancement of the
form of agriculture which was pointed out by the experts as that best adapted
to the circumstances of the country.

7. The farmers of Denmark were enabled in a similar way to extract good
from evil in the creation of their present large and prosperous export trade
in pork and bacon. Before the year 1888 a large export trade in living swine
was carried on, chiefly with Germany. Owing to an attack of swine fever the

A 2

Recess Committee’s
Report, Appendix A.

Agriculture in

Foreign

Countries.

Denmark

Report of Recess
Committee,
Appendix C.
Revised Edition,
1906, p. 141.

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lb., p. 142.

lb., p. 143.

lb., p. 145.

Ib., p. 146.

lb., p. 149.

Plunkett, 124.

export to Germany ceased in 1888. The Danish farmers consequently ceased
exporting living animals, and took up bacon-curing, starting co-operative
bacon factories and raising capital by a system of co-operative trading.

“Thus began the great Danish pig-rearing and bacon-curing industry, which has
grown from an export of less chan a quarter of a million living swine in 1887, when no
bacon at all was manufactured by the Danish farmers, to an export of bacon representing
upwards of a million and a quarter swine in 1S95.”

These and similar striking instances of the adoption of successful agricul-
tural methods are thus remarked on by Mr. Gill, the member of the Committee
who reported on Danish agriculture, and now Secretary of the Department
of Agriculture and Technical Instruction : —

“ Every leading agriculturist whom I met in Denmark, without exception, insisted on
attributing the intelligence and capacity for organisation of the Danish farmers and the
enlightened relations which they had been capable of establishing with their Government
to two special causes : —

“ (1) The education received by the peasantry in the peculiar institutions which
they call rural high schools.

“ (2) The distribution of land amongst small freeholders.”

8. A remarkable system of high schools was established by a Danish bishop
about sixty years ago, in which general advanced education was the primary
object, the technical side being only secondary. The high standard reached
by this system of education enabled the Danish farmer to appreciate to the
full the expert advice in agricultural matters provided and organised by the
Government. In May, 1896, a separate Agricultural Department of Govern-
ment was for the first time created. A main part of its functions was to
deal with agriculture proper, with veterinary education, prevention of cattle
disease, with forests and reclamation of wastes, and fisheries. The annual
expenditure of the Government upon the advancement of agriculture is stated
to have been about £108,000, exclusive of certain other funds applied to
expenses of administration and indirectly in support of agricultural education.
This sum of £108,000 was administered through or in co-operation with —

“ (1) A series of voluntary associations, of which the chief are : the Royal Danish
Agricultural Society ; the Federations of local Agricultural Societies or Provincial Unions ;
the Society for the Cultivation and Reafforestation of Waste Lands, and the Danish
Fisheries Societies ; and (2) a Royal Elevage Commission for the furtherance of Horse and
Cattle-breeding, Poultry-raising, and Bee-keeping ; which Commission in turn acts through
a series of local voluntary associations, chiefly co-operative, organised with special reference
to these branches of agricultural business.”

9. It would occupy too much space to describe in detail the organisation
and working of this hierarchy of agricultural associations. The Royal Danish
Agricultural Society, founded in 1769, is representative of agricultural opinion
in the country, and under the new organisation acts as the advisory body
and chief agent of the State in all that relates to the assistance of agriculture.
The main object of all this organisation appears to be (1) the collection and
diffusion of information on all agricultural subjects ; (2) the application of
Government grants. The pecuniary aid given by the State to Danish
agriculture appears to consist in providing and paying a body of expert
advisers, whose advice is available without payment both to societies and to
individual farmers. These experts deal with all the various branches of
agricultural operations, and some are stationed in foreign countries to assist
Danish trade by information and report. The State also gives grants in aid
of experimental stations ; local, provincial, and national shows ; prizes for
good cultivation ; travelling grants to enable small cultivators to gain wider
experience, and other miscellaneous matters. The State moreover renders
important aid to agriculture by the facilities of transit afforded by State
railways and steamship companies, and by subsidies to private railway and
steamship companies.

10. It appears that it was the example of Denmark which largely influenced
the Government, in the years 1896-99, in framing a scheme of legislation to
promote the development of agriculture in Ireland. The same example
also aided the Department of Agriculture, when it came into existence in

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1900, in administering the Act of 1899. The circumstances of Denmark
and Ireland present many points of similarity. Both countries are specially
adapted for the production of butter, bacon and eggs. If Ireland has
the advantage of a larger variety and richness of soil and. of proximity to
great markets, Denmark is far in advance in the system of primary and higher
education which she has enjoyed for many years, and consequently in the
capacity of her population to take advantage of expert assistance and to form
combinations for the supply of agricultural wants and the distribution of
agricultural produce.

11. Similar lessons were also learnt by the inquiries instituted by the Recess Other Countries.
Committee, as to the legislation and practice of other nations. Two points came
out prominently as the result of their inquiries. In the first place it appears
that State aid to agriculture takes the form mainly of the organisation of
instruction in agriculture through the medium of agricultural courses in
primary schools, of an elaborate system of agricultural colleges and schools, of
example plots under expert superintendence, of itinerant instruction by
travelling professors, of experimental stations and agricultural laboratories
maintained by the State, and, lastly, by a number. of publications containing
various statistics and reports, and information and instruction in reference to
any questions of special urgency.

In the second place, in addition to the instruction in agriculture by some or
all of the methods above summarised, in some States direct pecuniary
assistance is given to agriculture in the form of bounties to encourage
the cultivation of particular crops, exemption from taxation, grants on special
occasions for buying seed, reductions of rates on State railways and otherwise.

Another important inference to be drawn from the accounts of agriculture
in Continental countries given in the report and appendices issued by the
Recess Committee, is that in almost all countries, this aid is given, in
co-operation with, and often through the instrumentality of local societies.

It has been already seen how largely this is the case in Denmark. The same
principle is also conspicuous in France, notwithstanding the highly centralised
character of French administration. France, in this respect unlike Denmark,
possesses a highly organised system of agricultural colleges and schools, all
maintained by the State.

12. In the system of French agricultural instruction, the itinerant professor Trance,
bears an important part. Another matter of importance is the encouragement Report of Recess
given by the Legislature and the State to the formation of voluntary co- AppentoD.
operative societies, both for the supply of implements, seeds, manures, and
other materials for agriculture, and for distribution of produce. At the date
of the report, the total number of agricultural associations in France is given
at 6,500, of which not less than 5,300 are stated to have been co-operative
societies of various kinds. Monsieur Tisserand, at that time a Councillor of
State and Director of Agriculture in France, in a valuable paper furnished
by him to the Recess Committee and published as an appendix to their
report, thus sums up his conception of the proper relation between a
Ministry of Agriculture and voluntary associations : —

“ A Ministry of Agriculture, whether by means of special laws or special encourage- Appendix E,
ments, such as subsidies, subventions, medals, &c., should foster with all its power the p. 211.
combination of agriculturists — wherever such organisations do not already exist — in agri-
cultural societies, consultative chambers, societies for insurance against mortality amongst
stock and other calamities, societies for land improvement, co-operative societies (syndicate
agricoles) for the purchase of manures, seeds, machines, &c., and for the sale of agricultural
produce, credit societies, and institutions for mutual succour and assistance. It ought to
do its utmost to encourage such societies, to live side by side with, them, to come to their
support whenever it is necessary, and to lend them the help of its agents.

“ It ought to inform the cultivators on all facts having a bearing on their industry,
and to point out new methods and discoveries by which they may increase their crops and
protect them advantageously against parasites, noxious insects, microbes, &c.

“ The Ministry of Agriculture in France has always taken special care to respect the
independence and working of the agricultural societies. It interferes only to aid them and
to stimulate them to redouble their efforts, assisting them in proportion as they assist them-
selves.”

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Bills of 1896-1
G. Balfour, 2.

Act Of 1899.
G. Balfour, 4.

Appendix LXIX
Sect. 1 (1).

13. The report of the Recess Committee contained a general review of the
state of agriculture and _ industries in Ireland, and concluded with a recom-
mendation for the establishment of a Ministry of Agriculture and Industries
m Ireland, and a scheme for the organisation of a new department.

II.

PARLIAMENTARY ACTION, 1896-1899.

14. In 1896, after the accession to office of Lord Salisbury’s Government in
1895, Mr. Gerald Balfour, then Chief Secretary for Ireland, drafted a Bill for
the creation of a Department of Agriculture in Ireland. The Bill was not
however, introduced. The report of the Recess Committee was issued in
duly, 1896. This report, Mr. Gerald Balfour told us, “ was of very great use
to the Government in drafting their measure introduced, in 1897.”

The Bill of 1897, provided for the establishment of a Department of
Agriculture and Industry, consisting of the Chief Secretary as President
a Vice-Bresident appointed and removable as under the Act of 1899’
and a Commissioner of Agriculture appointed by the Lord Lieutenant.’
Provision was also made for the establishment of a Board of Agriculture
consisting of the members of the Department and of other persons, not
exceeding nine, to be appointed by the Lord Lieutenant. The main differences
between the Bill of 1897 and the Act of 1899 were thus summed up by Mr.
Gerald Balfour — 1 J

‘‘Both Bills provided for the concentration under a single department of the various
functions connected with agriculture which had been previously distributed among a
number of different Government departments, and both Bills provided an endowment to
niw ill 0 the enC0 ^ ra ° ement a . nd development of rural industries in Ireland. But the
Kiri Ti 18 R-n Wa | Jon?? t0 , a S rlcult yre and other rural industries, and did not extend,
T 5 -ii nof- 1 ° f 1899 ’ *0 technical instruction. Again, the endowment provided in the
mil ot loyt was very much smaller than that subsequently provided in the Bill of 1899.
But, most important of all, the machinery for administering the endowment was totally
ainerent in the two cases.” J

15. The Bill of 1 897 was withdrawn before it reached second reading, in view
otWie intention of the Government to introduce a measure for the reform of
Irish Local Government, and the expectation that the “ Irish local
authorities could be utilised in connection with the Act creating a Board of
Agriculture. . In the Session of 1898 the Local Government (Ireland) Act was
passed, constituting the County and District Councils. This was followed by
tlie passing of the Agriculture and Technical Instruction (Ireland) Act 1899
a copy of which is printed in the Appendix. This Act established a “ Depart-
ment of Agriculture and other Industries and Technical Instruction for
Ireland, with the Chief Secretary as President thereof, and a Vice-President
appointed by and removable at the pleasure of one of Her Majesty’s Principal
Secretaries of State. Section 1 (2) enacted that “any power or duty of the
Department may be exercised or performed by the President or the Vice-
Rresident, or by any person appointed by the President to act on behalf of
tne Vice-President auring the temporary absence of the Vice-President.

. e Janguag’e of this sub-section is perhaps somewhat more extensive, at
least m point of form, than that used in similar Acts constituting Government
Departments or Boards. _ Compare, for instance, the local Government
(Ireland) Act, 1898, Section Khi. In substance, however, the object of this
and similar provisions appears to be the same— to designate the members of
the Department who are empowered to act in its name, and to provide for
the apponitment of a deputy where necessary. In reference to the scheme
of this section Mr. Gerald Balfour stated— eciieme

concerned Thrt m tL i v1™ i p’ m 'f , as , ,*¥ 6Ter J' da J' work of tie Department ivas
™ “ Vice-President should bear the same relation to the Chief Secretary

to dm aotTa^L 0 S ^ Li °'“ ” I”®*- & prac&e of couS

of tlTe ivork of thflrish' (0 Seoretar J' Blts “ House of Commons, the greater part
the Cabinet K 4, ui GoYemn ? <in ‘. d »™lve upon him, even if he has not a seat in
ment shouid “ f “ ^

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It will be seen when we come to deal with the working of the Depart-
ment, how this enactment appears to us to have worked in practice.

By Section 1 (3) it is provided that the Vice-President shall not be
disqualified from sitting in Parliament, and by (4) he is to be an ex officio
member of the Congested Districts Board for Ireland.

Section 2 deals with the transference of existing powers under various
statutes to the new Department.

These were —

(a.) ( b .) The powers and duties of the 'Lord Lieutenant and Privy Council
under the Diseases of Animals Acts, 1894 and 1896, the Destructive
Insects Act, 1877, and the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1893 ;

(c.) The powers and duties of the Registrar-General for Ireland and the
Irish Land Commission with reference to the collection and pub-
lication of agricultural statistics, and of returns of average prices
of agricultural produce ;

(d.) The powers and duties of the Irish Land Commission under the
Markets and Fairs (Weighing of Cattle) Acts, 1887 and 1891 ;

(e.) The administration of the grant for science and art in Ireland ;

(/!) The administration of the grant in aid of technical instruction, as
defined by the Technical Instruction Act, 1889, in Ireland ;

(g.) The powers and duties of the Department of Science and Art in
relation to any public building or institution in Ireland under
their control, and also any property in Ireland held by or for the
purposes of that Department ;

(h.) The powers and duties of the Commissioners of National Education
in connection with the Albert Institution and the Munster Insti-
tution, and also all property held by those Commissioners for the
purposes of said institutions ; and
(i.) The powers and duties of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries.

Power was given to the Lord Lieutenant, with consent of the Treasury, to
transfer any of the administrative powers of any other Irish Government
Department which might appear to him to relate to any powers and duties
similar or analogous to those transferred. Power was given to the Depart-
ment by section 5 to make, or cause to be made, or aid in making, such
inquiries, experiments, and research, and collect, or aid in collecting, such
information as they may think important for the purposes of agriculture
and other rural industries.

By section 6 the Department might, with the consent of the Lord Lieutenant
and the Treasury, appoint and pay the requisite staff, and it is provided that
all expenses under Part I. of the Act, with the exception of those relating
to the Albert and Munster Institutions, shall be paid out of money provided
by Parliament.

1 6. The most distinctive and important provisions in the new Act are con-
tained in Part II., which deals with the Council of Agriculture, the Agricultural
Board, the Board of Technical Instruction, and with finance. It also contains
provisions laying the foundation of the relations between the Department
and the newly created local authorities. These relations have since become
of great importance.

17. Mr. Balfour told us that in constructing the Local Government Bill of n -
1898, and afterwards in constructing the Bill of 1899, he had, throughout, the
intention that the local bodies to be created by the former, and the Depart-
ment to be created by the latter, should work together as much as possible.
His conception was that there should be a Department with a Minister at its
head responsible to Parliament, and that the Department should be the sole
administrative and executive authority for the application of the Endowment
provided by the Bill of 1899.

“ There remained the problem of bringing the Department into close touch with the
people for whose benefit the endowment was intended, and it is the machinery constructed
for this purpose that probably constitutes the most novel part of the measure.”

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Council of
Agriculture.

SS. 7, 8

Sect. 11.

Agricultural

Board.

Sect 12.

Board of Tech-
nical Instruction.

Sect. 10.

How far these objects were in practice attained, and whether any change
is required in order more fully to carry out the original intention of
the Act, will be dealt with later in this Report when we come to consider the
working and subsequent history of the Department.

18. The “problem” above referred to, on the proper solution of
which the successful working of the whole scheme mainly hinges, was
sought to be solved in the following manner. A council, called “ The
Council of Agriculture,” was set up by the Act, consisting of (a) two persons to
be appointed by the county council of each county — Cork being taken as
two counties — (other than a county borough) in each of the four provinces.
These persons need not necessarily be members of the County Council, though
in practice they usually were, (b) Persons nominated by the Department.
These consisted of a number of persons resident in each province (exclusive
of county boroughs) equal to the number of counties in that province, due
regard being had to the representation on the Council of any agricultural
or industrial organisations in the province. The effect of these provisions, it
will be seen, is that the Council consists, as to two-thirds of its number, of
persons appointed by the various County Councils, and as to one-third of persons
nominated by the Department, subject only to the condition that there
should be as many nominated members actually resident in each province as
there are counties in that province. The Council of Agriculture is required
to meet “at least once a year for the purpose of discussing matters of
public interest in connection with any of the purposes of this Act.”

The members representing each province constitute separate committees on
the Council, called the Provincial Committees of the respective provinces.
These Committees appoint eight members of the Board of Agriculture, and
four of the Board of Technical Instruction.

19. The Agricultural Board consists of two elements, one representing
indirectly the County Councils, and one nominated by the Department. As
in the Agricultural Council, the representative element is in the proportion
of two-thirds of the whole body. The Department nominates one-third. The
two-thirds consist of two persons appointed by each of the Provincial Com-
mittees of the four provinces. There are thus eight representatives of the
lour provinces, and four nominated members. These twelve persons, with
the Chief Secretary and Vice-President as ex officio members, constitute the
Board.

The statutory duty of the Board is to “ advise the Department with
respect to all matters and questions submitted to them by the Department
in connection with the purposes of agriculture and other rural industries.”
The financial sections, to be presently noticed, confer on the Board an execu-
tive power of a very important character. None of the unappropriated
portion of the funds placed by the Act at the command of the Department,
called the Endowment Fund, can be expended by the Department without
the sanction of the Board of Agriculture.

20. The Board of Technical Instruction has exactly the same statutory
duties and financial control with regard to technical instruction, outside
county boroughs, as the Agricultural Board has with regard to “ agriculture
and other rural industries.” The members are appointed as follows : —

(a.) Three persons to be appointed by the county council of each of the
county boroughs of Dublin and Belfast ;

(b.) One person to be appointed by a joint committee of the councils of
the several urban county districts in the county of Dublin ; such
committee to consist of one member chosen out of their bodv by
the council of each such district ;

(c.) One person to be appointed by the council of each county borough
not above mentioned ;

(d.) One person to be appointed by the provincial committee of each
province ;

(e.) One person to be appointed by the Commissioners of National
Education ;

(*•) One person to be appointed by the Intermediate Education Board ;
and

{g.) Four persons to be appointed by the Department.

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•21. With regard to the formation of local committees to co-operate with the Local

central authority, it is enacted that the council of each county and urban om
district may appoint a committee for the purposes of Part II of the Act.

The committee so appointed may consist partly of members of the council and
partly of other persons. A power Js also given to any two or more public ^
bodies to appoint joint committees. This power has been found most valuable,
and has been largely used. The statute is silent as to the functions of these
committees. The relations between the Department and the local committees
have occupied a large place in our inquiry, and may be said to form the
pivot on which the success or failure of the Act of 1899 turns.

22 The only other body constituted by the Act is a Consultative Committee Consultative
for the purpose of co-ordinating educational administration. The functions Committee of
of this committee will be dealt with at a later stage. (See paragraph 256.) “ a “ catlon '

beet. Ao.

23 The funds placed by the Act at the disposal of the Department for the Finance, Endow-
purposes of agriculture and other rural industries and of technical instruction, ““ [5
consist of —

(1) An annual sum of £7S,000 which was appropriated by the Local Taxa-

tion (Customs and Excise) Act, 1890, to the Commissioners of
National Education, and transferred by section 15 of the Act of
1899 to the Department.

(2) An annual sum of £70,000 provided out of the income of the Irish

Church Temporalities Fund for a period of fifteen years from the
commencement of the Act of 1899, and at the expiration of this
period such annual sum as the Treasury may decide can be paid
without imparing the security for any liabilities which existed
upon the Fund at the commencement of the Act of 1899. . Various
other sources of revenue are specified in this section which bring
up the annual income of what has been called the Endowment
Fund to £166,000.

These Funds have since been supplemented by sums amounting to £14,000
annualiy-namely, the sum of £5,000 formerly paid to the Royal Dublin
Society and transferred to the Department by the Agriculture and iechmcai
Instruction (Ireland) No. 2 Act, 1902, for purposes of horse and cattle
breedino- schemes ; the sum of £7,000 paid from the Ireland Development
Grant for technical instruction ; and the sum of £2,000, being a j-early
contribution from the Congested Districts Board in respect of agricultural
schemes in the congested districts.

The application of the Endowment Fund is provided for by Section 1 6.

Certain specific sums, amounting to £35,000, are to be applied to the Royal
Veterinary College, the Munster Institute, and Sea Fisheries. The sum of
£55,000 is given for the purpose of technical instruction in county boroughs
and' elsewhere, and, after defraying certain other charges, the surplus of the
Endowment Fund is to be applied, “ subject as regards any particular appli-
cation to the concurrence of the Agricultural Board for the purposes of s«*isfcy
aoriculture and other rural industries or sea fisheries.” The main part of
the financial administration of the Department and of the Board of
Agriculture is governed by this sub-section. Tty language is very wide,
and the discretion of the Department in submitting proposals to the
Board of Agriculture, and of the Board in approving or disapproving
of the proposals of the Department, is unlimited, provided the pro-
posed expenditure is for the purpose of agriculture or some other rural
industry, or of sea fisheries. The expression “ rural industries ” is defined,
though not exhaustively, in Section 30, and, amongst other things, is made to
include “ inland fisheries.” Whether or not it applies to certain other indus-
tries not mentioned in the definition in Section 30 is, as will be seen hereafter, P»rs E r>pi„,i34,i KI .
a question of some practical importance and not without difficulty.

We have now referred to the principal provisions of the Act of 1899
directly affecting the Department. There are many others which will have to
be noticed in the course of this Report in relation to the subjects to which they

apply-

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G, Balfour, 17.

15.

11 .

36 .

The

Vice President.

III. j

THE WORKING OF THE ACT OF 1899.

24. We p oceed now to give some account of the working of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture and of the various authorities and statutory bodies 1
which are brought into connection with the Department by the provisions of
the Act of 1 899. We shall have to notice, in passing, various criticisms which
have been made upon the action of the Department and the local authorities..

25. The constitution of the Department is somewhat anomalous, and cannot
be understood without some reference to the political history of Ireland, and
to the ideas prevalent in Ireland at the time of the passing of the Act of 1899..

.A strong sentiment with which Mr. Gerald Balfour had to reckon in
framing the bill of 1899 was the general distrust prevalent in Ireland of what,
is known as a “ Castle Board.” The Bishop of Ross, a member of the
Council of Agriculture, and also representing the Munster Provincial Council
on the Agricultural Board, in enumerating the difficulties which the Depart-
ment had at the outset to encounter, says : —

“3056. Another difficulty from which the Department suffered at first was, the
people through the country generally regarded the Department as a Castle Board..
This is rather an historical and political question, and it is not easy for an out-
sider to fully grasp what is meant by a Castle Board. Mr. Brown will know it. The
Castle means the Irish Government, and there is the greatest distrust, and has been in the
minds of the people, of the Irish Government, and that is altogether apart from the persons
who have to administer the Irish Government for the time being. It is distrust of the
Institution, and if you put an archangel at the head of the Irish Government the distrust
will be still there until the system was changed.

“ 3057. (Chairman ). — That was partly aimed at by the framing of the Act, for it is a.
decentralising Act ? — Exactly ; there was a good deal of difficulty in getting the people to
understand that the Department was not a Castle Board as were the Board of Works, and
—I am sure Mr. Brown has had experience of this— of trying to get into the minds ot the
people that the Department was an independent body.

“ (Mr. Brown ). — Very great.

“ (Witness ). — And that we really were not ‘ Castle hacks ’ at all.

3053 - (Chairman ). — But the Act was very carefully framed with the object of pre-
venting that idea 1 — Yes, and, of course, the Vice-President was to be a Minister.
Lest he would be in any way in connection with the Irish Government, he was to
be appointed by one of the principal Secretaries of State, so that the Lord Lieutenant and
Chief Secretary for Ireland would have no control over him.”

The Recess Committee and Mr. Gerald Balfour were quite alive to the
existence of this sentiment, and therefore it was the object of the Act to give
the Department, so far as possible, an independent character. The link, and the
only link, with the Irish Government was that the Chief Secretary is made by
statute the President of the Department. On the other hand, it was strongly
felt that, although the new Department might be independent of the Castle,
there must be responsibility to Parliament. Mr. G. Balfour told us that he
resisted the pressure put upon him to follow implicitly the only precedent
existing, that afforded by the constitution of the Congested Districts Board
for Ireland under the Purchase of Land (Ireland) Act, 1891. The Congested
Districts Board was, in his view, like the Department, linked only to the Irish
Government by the fact that the Chief Secretary was Chairman of it, and it
was also made independent of Parliament. It had no representation in
Parliament except through the Chief Secretary, who was not responsible for
the action of the Board, which he could not control. It was, therefore in-
tended that the Vice-President of the new Department should be its working
head and should represent the Department in Parliament. By Section 1 (3)
the disqualification for a seat in Parliament, which would otherwise have
attached to the office, was removed. Mr. Gerald Balfour stated

, wa ?’ r . n ? doubfc > the intention of the framers of the Act that the Vice-President
should be a Minister with a seat in Parliament and should go in and out with the Govern-
ment ot the day.

26. In fact, however, circumstances occurred after the Act of 1899 came into
force which affected materially the working of the scheme of the constitution
of tue Department contemplated by Mr. Gerald Balfour. Sir Horace
Plunkett, who was appointed Vice-President, was a member of Parliament at

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the time when the Act came into force (April 1, 1900), but he was not re-
■elected at the general election which occurred later in the year. There wa 3
nothing in the Act of 1899 to prevent the office of Vice-President being held
by a person out of Parliament, and the Board of Technical Instruction, the
Agricultural Board and Council of Agriculture passed resolutions to the effect
that it would be a great misfortune if the Vice-President should not continue
the work, the initial stages of which he had taken the leading part in
•organising and superintending. Sir Horace Plunkett was requested by the
Government to remain at his post. That request was renewed, provisionally,
upon the change of Government at the close , of the year 1905. Consequently
from the earliest days of the Department the position of the Vice-President
has in fact borne a closer resemblance to that of the permanent head of a
great Department of State than to the position contemplated by Mr. Gerald
Balfour — that of a, member of the Government in Parliament, who should be
at once the working head of the Department and responsible to Parliament for
the conduct of his office.

27. In the absence of the Vice-President from Parliament, the responsibility
to Parliament falls upon the Chief Secretary as President of the Department.
By the practice of the Department, and under the power contained in
Section 1 (2) of the Act of 1899, the administration is really in the hands
of the Vice-President. Although the Chief Secretary is made President and
could act alone as exercising the powers of the Department, it has not been
the practice for him to take part in its administration. No departmental
papers appear to be submitted to him, nor has he exercised any of the
patronage of the Department.

28. The responsibility both of the Chief Secretary and of the Department
to Parliament, is greatly minimised by the fact that the funds which the
Department controls, subject to the concurrence of the Agricultural Board
are, as has been already pointed out, chiefly in the nature of an endowment
annually paid over to the Department under the provisions of the Act of
1899. The existence of the Department, however, depends to a great extent
upon voted moneys for salaries and other expenses, and discussions might,
of course, be raised upon the Estimates, as in the case of any other depart-
ment. In fact, however, very few discussions of this kind appear to have
been raised, although questions by Irish members, addressed to the Chief
Secretary upon points connected with the action and policy of the Depart-
ment have been numerous. There has beep, on the whole, little or no inter-
ference through Parliament with the action of the Department.

29. We proceed now to deal with the working of those provisions of the
Act of. 1899 which brought into existence Irish institutions with a large repre-
sentative element as an aid to, and check on, the action of the Department.

I he first of . the bodies whose relations with the Department it is
important to consider, is the Council of Agriculture. The provisions of the
Act of 1899 with regard to the constitution and functions of the Council of
Agriculture, have already been summarised. We have now to consider their
working in practice.

The Council of Agriculture held its first meeting on May 29, 1900. It
has held in all ten meetings ; the latest of which we have cognisance was in
^November, 1906. The proceedings have usually lasted one day, but in May,
1901, two days were required. In each of the years 1900, 1901, and 1902,
there was only one meeting of the Council ; in 1903, there were two meetings ;
in 1904, one; in 1905, two. At the second meeting in November, 1905,
a resolution was passed that the Council should meet regularly twice a year.
Accordingly, in 19.C6 meetings were held in May and November. All these
meetings have been attended by a large proportion of the members of the
Council. The actual numbers are given in the Appendix.

The meetings are convened and presided over by the Vice-President of
the Department. The practice has been for the Vice-President to open, each
meeting with an address dealing with the principal questions engaging the
attention of the Department. Every third year the Council resolves itself into

B 2

Plankett, 115.

G. Balfour, 13-18.

The President.

Plunkett, 27C-293.
142-5.

Responsibility ta
Parliament.

Plunkett, 178.

Council of
Agriculture.

Appendix I.XIV.
Plunkett, 207.

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.Appendix LX1II.

Paragraphs, 32, 95,
96, 103, 118, 230.

Minutes of Pro-
ceedings, May 28,
1903, Vol I., p. 25.
lb., April 12, 1904,
p. 31.

lb.. Pel). 9, 1905,
p. 36

lb., Nov. 14, 1905,
p. 41,

Vol. II., May 16,
3906, p. 7.

16., Vol. II., p. 5.

Minutc3 of Proceed-
ings, Vol. II., 15 May,
1906, p. 4.

Provincial Committees, consisting of the members representing the several
counties in each of the four provinces. Each of these Committees proceeds-
to appoint two members of the Board of Agriculture. The sittings of the
Council are taken up by discussion of various questions brought forward
either by the Department or by individual members of the Council The
Act of 1899 gives the Council no direct administrative power, and in the
course of the evidence there has been much criticism on the ground that it
possesses no means of securing that any resolution it may come to should be
carried out by the Department.

The minutes of the proceedings of the Council of Agriculture from its-
commencement were laid before us. They record every resolution brought
forward by any member, and summarise the discussion thereon. A short
summary of the resolutions passed by the Council of Agriculture, and of the
action taken thereon, will be found in the Appendix. The matters discussed
cover a wide field. The resolutions arrived at, though not legally binding on
the Department, strongly influence its action. Three typical instances-
relating to matters to each of which we shall have occasion to refer in detail
hereafter, are the following : —

(l.) Some of the members of the Council took great interest in the
preservation from extinction of a particular breed of horse known as the
Irish Draught Horse. Resolutions having this object were before the
Council in May, 1903, April, 1904, February, 1905, November, 1905, and
May, 1906. It will be seen later what steps the Department took to carry out
these resolutions, though the action of the Council was not entirely in
accordance with the views of the Department.

(2.) A question having arisen as to continuing the financial support
which had been afforded by the Department to the Irish Agricultural
Organisation Society, a resolution was adopted by the Agricultural Board in
March, 1906, in the following terms : —

“ That the Board vote a sum not exceeding £3,700 in respect of agricultural organisa-
tion, to cover a period of one year, on the conditions subjoined. They decide to continue
their support of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society for the period named as a.
provisional measure ; but they desire, before considering any further contribution for this
purpose, to have the opinion of the Council of Agriculture on the subject of the best
method of aiding such organisation, and they request the Department to place this subject
on the Agenda for the next meeting of the Council.”

At the meeting of the Council on May 16, 1906, the question was
submitted by the Department, “ Whether the Department should promote
agricultural organisation generally ; and, if so, whether they should do
so through the agency of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society?”
The first part, of the proposition was embodied in an affirmative resolution,
and passed unanimously ; but a serious discussion arose as to whether
the necessary action should be taken through the agency of the Irish Agricul-
tural Organisation Society. The importance of this question on its merits
will be dealt with fully hereafter. Here we are referring to it in order to
illustrate the constitutional position and powers of the Council of Agriculture.
It is a case where both the Department and the Agricultural Board submit
for the opinion and practically for the decision, ot the Council a question
of the greatest importance, and it seems to be assumed that the view
expressed by the Council would carry with it the practical decision of the
question.

(3.) Another instance is afforded by the record of the proceedings of May,
1906. The Department, with the assent of the Board, had on previous
occasions expended large suras on Shows, and a question arose whether the
funds of the Department justified a grant to the Dublin International
Exhibition of 1907. The economical view prevailed in the Council, and an
amendment was carried by 32 votes to 21 to the effect that the state of
the funds of the Department did not justify any substantial contribution.

Many other instances might be given of resolutions of the Council of
Agriculture having a direct practical effect on the action of the Department.
Quite apart, however, from any power which its relations to the Agricultural
Board may give the Council, its real importance depends on this, that hitherto

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the two-thirds of the members of the Council who have been appointed by the

thirty-three county councils, and the one-third who have been nominated by

the Department, constitute a body of men who. have been, selected, speaking

generally, not upon any considerations of politics or religion, but because

they were, in the opinion of those sending them to the Council, the tit es

and most experienced men for the purpose. Thus. there has been, brought

together a body of men whose opinion carries with it great weight in regard

to = the subjects with which they have to deal. No Department constituted as

the Department of Agriculture is, could afford to set at naught the deliberately

expressed opinion of such a body. The Vice-President, who, as has been

shown, has been throughout the working head of the Department, has

frequently stated that if he lost the confidence of the Council of Agriculture, Plunkett, 148, 156, .

it would be impossible for him to retain his office.

30. The Agricultural Board, constituted as already described,, held their The Agricultural
first meeting on June 1 4, 1.900. Up to November 29, 1906, thirty-six meetings
of the Board had been held, with very full attendances. The minutes ot the
Agricultural Board have been laid before us.

It will be remembered that the duties of the Agricultural Board as laid Sect - 12 -
down in the Act of 1S99 are to “ advise the Department with respect to all
matters and questions submitted to them by the Department in connection
with the purposes of agriculture and other rural industries. There has been
much criticism on the limitation of the advisory powers of the Board to
matters submitted to them by the Department. . On the other hand, many
witnesses of experience stated that the Board, in fact, exercise a very sub-
stantial power of initiating proposals. The Bishop of Boss, who, as above
stated, sits on the Board as a member elected by the Munster Provincial
Council, thus gives his experience of the relations between the Department
and the Board, especially as regards power of initiation :

“ 3027. The relations between the Department and the Board have always been very
harmonious, and there has been the utmost confidence between the Board and the Depart-
ment. The Department has always submitted to the Board all important questions
beforehand, and we have discussed the matter with the Department, and as a result ol the
discussions the schemes have been either adopted, or dropped, or modified Usually the
schemes have been adopted, generally with some alterations, but there have been instances
where the schemes have not been adopted. But, of course, according to our statutory-
position, we have simply the right to put a veto on the finance. . ,

“ 3028. (Chairman ). — On the endowment % — On the endowment, but in practice it has
worked out that we have a great deal more administration than that right seemed to give
us. .

u 3029. As to finance, is the practice this, that the Department submit to the
Board in the first instance the expenditure that they propose to carry out on any par-
ticular project ?— No, they first Submit to the Board that they propose to do a certain thing,
and then they discuss the policy and the project with the Board, and after the matter is.
threshed out, if the Board think it would be a good thing to do, then the Board ask what
will be the expense in doing it, and if the Board think the scheme would be good value tor
the money, they agree to the scheme and vote the money. If they think the scheme is not
worth the money, they object on the question of finance, and the scheme sometimes has-
been dropped because the Board did not consider it worth the money, 'ihe Department has-
frequently brought forward projects before the Board for discussion and consideration, which
it was not intended immediately to carry out, but which they thought they would do in-
future, and merely have the opinion of the Board on it. They have frequently brought
forward projects and asked the Board to think about the matter and give them the result,
of their consideration, so that personally I have been quite content with the actiou of the-
Department in this regard, and [ think every member of the Board has been. The ques-
tion has been raised about initiative. So far as I am personally concerned, and I am sure-
the same is true of other members of the Board, I have had a great deal more initiative
than I wished for, because my desk for the last six years has been constantly littered with
communications from the Department asking me to think out such and such projects, and I
have really got a great deal more work to do in that way than I wished.

“ 3030. Was any proposal illustrative of initiation pure and simple ever made by a
member of the Board 1 — Certainly, decidedly.

“3031. Although that is not within the four corners of the , Act ' — Not within the
four corners of the Act. I myself have initiated several projects.”

Evidence to the same effect was given by the witnesses named in the o-Neiu, 3122 .

Downes, 3198.

margin. Montgomery,

It is obvious that the provision of the Act of 1 899 that no particular appli- 3318 - 23 .
cation of the endowment fund beyond the specific appropriation under the
statute, can be made without the "consent of the Agricultural Board must, if
the power is effectively exercised, involve very substantial control over

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Lough, j 12236-75 j

Representative
character of
Council and
Boards.

• Cogan, 11763.

• 11766.

'■ 11768.

'•1.1772.

11771.

11773.

11774. 1

See paragraphs, 95,
96.

the proceedings of the Depaitment. That the power is effectively exercised
is attested, not only by the evidence above referred to, but by the minutes of
the meetings of the Board which have been laid before us. It appears
from these minutes. that the practice of the Board ever since the commence-
ment of these sittings has been, as described by the Bishop of Ross. All
points of importance occurring in every part of the field of the Department’s
operations as regards agriculture and other rural industries, are brought before
tne Board, and the policy is discussed as well as the expenditure. Many
illustrations of this will occur in the course of our Report.

With regard to the statutory functions of the Board, that of assenting to
any application of the endowment fund to agriculture and rural industries, ”the
practice has been that, after the polity of the proposed expenditure has been
adequately discussed, if it is approved in principle, the Department should
submit to the Board an estimate of the probable expenditure. If the Board
approve of the estimate, the expenditure authorised is incurred and an
account of the manner in which the money authorised has been expended is
submitted to the Board for approval. On the whole, the evidence seems
to us to have established that the Agricultural Board satisfactorily discharge
the duty cast upon them by the Act of 1899 of advising the Department, and
exercise real control over the ordinary expenditure of the endowment fund
of the Department.

31. Both of the bodies , whose working we have been discussing have been
the subject of much criticism before us on the ground that they are not suf-
ficiently representative of the Irish people. Many witnesses have advocated
the substitution, in place of the present Council of Agriculture and Agricultural
Board,, of one or more wholly elective bodies,* also that the appointment of
the principal officers of the Department should vest in these small bodies, f

32. Mr. Cogan, a member of Parliament, and chairman of the Wicklow
committee of agriculture, gave evidence in support of this view. He holds
strongly that the Council of Agriculture and the Boards of Agriculture and
Technical Instruction should be wholly elected bodies ; that the Agricultural
and Technical Instruction Boards should possess executive and administrative
functions, and that it should be the province and duty of the Council of
Agriculture to direct the policy of the Boards. This view is based on the
general principle that all boards of the kind under consideration should, in
Ireland, be popularly elected bodies.

In answer to further questions, he stated that he had never known, as a
member of Council, any marked difference between the views of the elected
and nominated members, but that the general feeling was that the Council
‘‘has no real power in the shaping of the policy of the Department or in
+if S® nera h a d m i n i s tration. ’ He went on, however, to say that he considered
r 6 -l ° U11C ^ ^o r ^ cu ^fure,. as at present constituted, did represent the feeling
or the country , and that “in so far as the Council of Agriculture represents
the opinion of the country the Department cannot wholly ignore the opinion
of the country as expressed by the Council ; but the Council has had great
difficulty from time to time in inducing the Department to adopt certain
lines of action,”

He added that there had been no direct friction between the Council and the
Department, but thought that a state of things might arise where the Depart-
ment might set the Council at defiance. On being asked for an instance in
which the Council had passed resolutions which the Department had failed to
carry out, he quoted a “very prominent one, and of great importance to
the country This was the often-quoted case of the Irish draught horse.
We shall state the evidence on this matter later on.

* O'M] 3130-1, 3170-1 ; Mooney 116IS; Butler, 11355 ; Corbett, 4256-60 ; DeW, 12362
Galvin, 6274; O'Ryan, 14327; Enms, 11001; Hore, 10714-23; Breen Rev M M67 5274 ■
Downes, 3207; Sweetman, 142t8; Teal, 10122. ' •> 0-6/, 5274,

t Bishop o« Ross, 3075-7; Corbett, 4291-316; Downes, 3208-10 ; Hvnes Rev J 6773 87 -
Magee, 9489-91 ; Taylor, 9324-63 ; Wlielan (App. LYUlS J ’ ’ bl7J ^ 7 -

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The result of Mr. Cogan’s evidence seems to be that he desires more effective
control such as would result from a complete system of election without any
admixture of a nominated element. Speaking of the Agricultural Board and
Board of Technical Instruction, he says : —

“The Boards, in conjunction with their executive officers, would have the preparation 11792.
of all draft schemes and final approval of same when they came back from the County Com-
mittees, and no administrative action would be taken by any officer until it was first-
approved by the Board. At the present time the functions of the Council are of a purely
academical character, called ‘‘advisory,’ - and the Department may or may not carry out its
recommendations.”

We state these views at length, as they are typical of a large amount of
evidence given from the political point of view. They arise from the applica-
tion of a general policy of national administration to the particular case of the
Department, rather than from experience of defects in the working of the
existing arrangement.

It is characteristic, too, of this evidence and of that of many of the
witnesses who follow the same line of thought, that Mr. Cogan gives f ull
credit to the acting head and officials of the Department for zeal and energy in
the performance of their duties, and offers some useful criticisms ' and
suggestions as to certain improvements which he considers might be adopted.

These suggestions we shall consider hereafter, but we think it not out of place
to quote Mr. Cogan’s generous tribute to the work of the Vice-President and
officials of the Department ; —

“ I am satisfied that Sir Horace Plunkett, although he has made more than one 11792.
grievous mistake, which are not likely to be soon forgotten, has done his best according to
his lights, and, under a system of full popular control of the Department, I should be very
glad to see him occupying the most prominent position on the Council and Board. I believe
his whole heart is in his work, and, with the experience the last six years have brought him,

I am sure no better man could be found to fill such a position. My County Committee has
had many interviews with the Vice-President and the chief executive officers, and we were
always received most cordially, and many of our representations have been embodied in the
schemes for our county.”

Similar testimony to the manner in which the business of the Depart-
ment has been conducted will be found in the evidence of the witnesses,
referred to below.*

33. The most pronounced utterance from the point of view similar to thatr County Councils’
put forward by Mr. Cogan will be found in the evidence of Mr. John Sweet- General Council-
man (Meath), Mr. M. A. Ennis (Wexford), and Dr. O’Ryan (Tipperary).

These witnesses represented the ..County Councils’ General Council and were
deputed to give evidence before us. This General Council consists of delegates
from every county and county borough council desiring to send one. As S " eetman ’ 1431 l-
originally constituted this body consisted of representatives from all county
councils in Ireland. According to Mr. Andrews, who was himself previously
a member of the General Council, and is now a member of the Council of
Agriculture and Chairman of the County Council of Down, it was “ established. Andrews 9035
on the definite understanding, which was stated publicly and privately by ’
its Chairman, that it would not interfere with political matters ; that we
should confine ourselves solely to the business of our county councils.” This
intention, however, Mr. Andrews states, was not adhered to,' and consequently
seven Northern county councils “came away.” J

. On April 19, 1906, the General Council appointed a committee, com- Ennis > iioor..
prising the three gentlemen above-mentioned, to give evidence upon the present
inquiry, and gave the committee the following instruction : —

“That it be an instruction to the Committee that the Agricultural Council and
Agricultural Board should consist solely of elected members, and that, therefore, none of
their members should, as at present, be nominated by the Department.

“ That the Department' itself should be totally separated from the English Govern-
ment, and be nominated by the General Council of the Irish County Councils and be
answerable to it and under its control.”

In all other respects apparently the witnesses were given complete En„i,, 11000
freedom to express their own views. Sweetman, 14288 .

O’Kj-an, 14327.

* Bishop of Elphin, 3459; Bishop of Ross, 3066; Montgomery, 3342; Andrews 9035 •
Sharman-Crawford, 9085; Reade, 9826 ; Gore-Booth, 6933; Downes, 3198- Irwin’lOOlO-
Edmondson, 13024; Macardle, 13373; Dolan, 13419; Turtle, 8853; Patterson ' 8904 ’ Whit/

10623 Hanl0ri ’ 11340 ; Huston > 8456 i Clarke, Rev. Dr., 5870; Greenbank, 9641 ; Dennehy’

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Mr. Ennis, who laid the above resolution before us, made the following
statement : —

] 1001 . “ I think I speak the views of the General Council when I say that the intention of the Council

in passing this resolution would be fulfilled if the control of the Department were vested in
whatever central authority or body may be set up by the Government in the Bill they are at
present framing. It would not be limited, in my opinion, to the particular body, the General
Council, but whatever central authority may be constituted by the Government.”

Mr. Ennis is careful to point out that he has

JPJQQ 2 , “Received no instruction from the General Council to make any general attack upon the

administration of the Department in any way, and, in fact, I say, both on my own responsibility,
and as a witness for the bodies I have named, that lam glad to have the opportunity of saying
that I believe the Department has done great work and good work in Ireland since it was formed
in 1899. They had made mistakes, and great mistakes, but mistakes would be inherent in
setting in operation new machinery, and no one could expect the Department would carry out its
object without some mistakes. If I may appear in my evidence to criticise the Department in
some respects, I wish it to be understood that I believe it my duty as a witness to point out
where I believe defects exist, in order that I may lay before the Committee these defects with a
view to their remedy. To take the work of the Department as a whole, I believe it has been a
work most beneficial to Ireland and creditable to the Department.”

In this respect Mr. Ennis’s evidence is in marked contrast to that of his
colleague, Mr. Sweet man, who stated,

14298 . “The Department is ridiculed by practical farmers, because they know it is absurd for

young lecturers who have gone through a course of what is called scientific farming, or theoretical
farming, to attempt to show farmers who have had practical experience all their lives.”

34. The above extracts from the evidence of Mr. Cogaii and of the repre-
The nominated sentatives of the General Council, and the similar evidence referred to below,*
element on the appear to us to state clearly the nature of the objection entertained on political
Council and grounds to the constitution of the Department and the various bodies con-

Boards. nected with it. The Department is condemned by the majority of the witnesses

who follow the lines above indicated, not for inefficiency or mistaken views,
but because its constitution does not entirely conform to an ideal which
ought, in the opinion of these witnesses, to be applied to the whole
machinery of Irish Government. To enter upon a discussion of these
objections would lead us into a region far beyond the limits of our Inquiry.
Our duty is not to deal with the questions submitted to us from the point of
view of the advantage or disadvantage, the probability or improbability of
fundamental changes in the government of Ireland, but to attempt to
estimate as best we can whether, under the political conditions at present
existing, the actual working of the system established by the Act of 1899,
has proved to be well suited to the conditions of Ireland, and what improve-
ments are desirable either in that Act or in the methods which have been
employed by the Department in its administration.

In dealing with the constitution of the Council and the Board, the
question for us is, what is the justification, solely from the point of view
of efficient administration, for the presence of the nominated representatives
on the Council and Board of Agriculture ?

It must be remembered that the Act of 1899 aimed at introducing into
Ireland a wholly novel machinery for the advancement of agriculture and
industries. This was, in fact, as was shown in the report of the .Recess
Committee, part of a movement which, during a comparatively recent period,
had arisen in various parts of Europe, and in some countries had effected a most
beneficial revolution m the condition of the agricultural and industrial classes.
Its success, as regards agriculture, in Ireland depended upon the introduction
of a better system of agricultural and technical education, upon bringing
home to small cultivators the great benefits to be derived from the applica-
tion of improved methods of manuring, providing seeds, breeding cattle ana
horses, procuring improved stocks of poultry, and in numerous other ways
using their land and other resources available to them to the best advantage,

* Breen, Rev. M., 5267, 5274 ; Butler, 11355-7, 11361 ; Carey, 12849; Corbett, 4256-65;
Delany, 12362-73 ; Downes, 3179-97, 3207 ; Doyle, Canon, 11140-65; Galvin, 6274; Hanna,
7755-73; Hore, 10714-26 ; M'Glynn, Monsgr., 7185-274; M‘Kenna, Rev. E., 9697; Mooney,
11618; Nugent, 11434-6; O’Neill, 3130-1, 3170-1; O’Riordan, Canon, 4469; Toal, 10122;

Vaughan, 5703.

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especially providing better channels for the sale and distribution of produce.

Whatever differences of opinion there may be on other questions, these and such
like matters are the common interests of the country, to the furtherance of
which the whole intelligence of the nation should be laid under contribution.

It is essential for the introduction and spread of new ideas and new methods

that as far as possible there should be present upon the bodies to whom

advisory executive functions are given, a large proportion of men who

from their position influence experience and knowledge are best qualified

to assist in spreading the introduction of new methods throughout the

country. It is probable, indeed, that such persons would be elected by

county councils, and this has largely been the case in Ireland. It

appears, nevertheless, to be of distinct advantage to provide a means

of bringing directly into the Council a certain number of men specially

qualified to speak for interests of importance to the country as a whole, or

over wide areas, although these interests do not appeal with sufficient

strength in any particular county, to secure that those most conversant with

them should be included in the limited number — two — of representatives on

the Council allotted to the county. The power of nomination conferred on

the Department by the Act affords an opportunity of bringing into the

Council men who fall into this category. This power appears to have been

exercised with judgment. In illustration of this it may be mentioned that

the Council itself, two-thirds of the members of which are appointed by

county councils, have selected among its eight representatives on the

Agricultural Board two of those nominated to the Council by the Depart- Bishop of Ross and

ment, and similarly two of its four representatives on the Board of Technical Mr ' A ' Lough '

Instruction. Conversely, it is interesting to note that the Department has Mr V ‘ F T 'B^rb^ur. and

nominated to the Agricultural Board two of the members appointed to the „ , , „ 3 .

■ i i , ° . , L L Colonel Everard and

Council by county councils. Mr. l. ciart.

As representative of much evidence we may quote that of Mr. Andrews,
chairman of the Down county council and member of the Council of
Agriculture : —

" ( Chairman ) — We have asked the question several times, and I think we always got the 8946 .
one answer — whether there has been any marked difference between the point of view or
action of the nominated element and of the elected element 1 — No, so far as I am aware, there has
not. In the Council of Agriculture, which I have attended regularly, I have never seen any
distinction between the nominated and the elected elements. The fact is, no one seems to know
or care who is nominated and who is elected ; and I think probably there could be no better
proof that the nominations have given satisfaction than the fact, as I daresay you have been
previously informed.”

“ No greater proof could be given that the nominated element has been pleasing to the 8947.
elected part of the Council than this. About three years ago nine members had to be elected
to the different boards of the Council of Agriculture, and the Council elected for these
boards five of the nominated element, and only four of the elected element. I think there
could be no better proof that the Department's efforts to put the best men in this position had
been successful.”

Mr. O’Neill, chairman of the Dublin county council and member of
the Agricultural Board, speaks from a somewhat different point of view : —

“With regard to the question of nomination, it is rather an important one, and I must say 3130 .
this, that in my opinion, it is economically unsound. I do not approve of having the power
vested in any official of nominating i-epresentatives who will be entrusted with the administration
of public fimds, and, unfortunately, the nominative system in this country has always been
exercised in such a way as to inspire distrust amongst the people. Ifor that reason I think it is
one that, holding the political views I do, I could not subscribe to in the main. However, I
think it is only just and fair that I should say, that as far as its application to the working of the
Department goes, I have no fault whatever to find with the representatives that were nominated
on the Agricultural Board. They have shown a keen and practical interest in every scheme that
has been brought beford the Board, and they have loyally co-operated with the representatives of
the people in the effort to improve the general condition of the country. So far as their status
at the Board is concerned it would be utterly impossible for a stranger, if he attended every
meeting of the Board, to determine from the attitude or the manner in which the deliberations
were cax-ried on, who were the nominated and who were the elected representatives.

“3131. Will that apply both to the Council and to the Board 1 — It substantially applies in
the same way to both.”

We may also refer to the evidence given by Mr. P. J. Kennedy, member 4000.
of. the Council of Agriculture and of the Meath county committee : —

“ I am not in favour of any alteration in the present constitution of the Board and Council.

I consider the retention of the present system of a nominated one-third on both bodies as most
desirable at least for some years to come. If properly exercised, as I believe on the whole it has

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Lough, 12204

Division of
Subjects.

been, the po wer to nominate one-third enables the Department to bring in a large number of the
best business men in this country — men, many of whom are not politicians or elected members of any
public bodies, and whose great practical experience of agriculture and sound business capacity could
not otherwise be placed at the disposal of the Council and Board of which they form a valuable
asset. The result of my experience is that the introduction of politics into every phase of local
public life in Ireland is one of the great drawbacks on our local public bodies. I do hot wish to
be misunderstood. I am aware that a large number of our local public men who hold strong
political views are also excellent business men, but I am aware also that many of them are not,
and that many men who are distinguished by their inability to sucessfully manage their own
affairs are elected by large majorities on our public bodies simply as a result of the advanced views
which they propound in their public speeches.”

35. We feel no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that on bodies of the
character of those established by the A.ct of 1899 a nominated element is
very desirable and cannot be dispensed with in the earlier stages of the
administration of such a new system as that under consideration, and further,
that the evidence established the fact that in the case alike of the Council and
the Board the combination of the nominated and elected elements has worked
very satisfactorily.

This result is, we think, in great measure due to the care which has been
exercised in making the nominations. The Act of 1899 prescribes (section 8),
as regards the nominations to the Council of Agriculture, that the nominees
shall consist of a number of persons resident in each province equal to the
number of counties in that province, and that the Department shall have due
regard “ to the representation on the Council of any agricultural or industrial
organisation in. the province.” No such conditions are laid down in the case
of nominations to the Board. Subject, therefore, to the above provision in the
case of the Council of Agriculture, the Department has a free hand as
regards the selection of nominees. Under the statute the nominations might
be made either by the Chief Secretary as President, or the Vice-President
(sect. 1 (2). In practice the nominations have been made by the Vice-
President, and the evidence of the witnesses who have discussed the question
before us is, we believe, unanimous that this large power has been exercised
with great impartiality and with the result of adding an element of additional
strength to the Council of Agriculture, the Agricultural Board and Board of
Technical Instruction.

IV.

THE METHODS ADOPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ADMINIS-
TERING THE ACT OF 1899, AS REGARDS AGRICULTURE
AND OTHER RURAL INDUSTRIES AND SEA FISHERIES.

In dealing with the main branch of our Inquiry, the actual working of the
Department of “ Agriculture and other Industries and Technical Instruction,”
we deal first with Agriculture and other Rural Industries and Sea Fisheries.

Agriculture.

36. We will in the first place confine our attention to agriculture properly
so called, including in the term the tillage of the soil, the breeding and rearing
of horses and other animals, dairy farming, horticulture, poultry-keeping,
bee-keeping, and the sale and distribution of agricultural produce.

The Act of 1899 fixes no precise limits to the expenditure of the endow-
ment fund placed, as has been above explained, at the disposal of the Depart-
ment and of the Agricultural Board. So much of that fund as is not specifi-
cally appropriated by section 16 (1) (a—e) is to be applied “ for the purposes
of agriculture and other rural industries or sea fisheries” (g). A very wide
discretion is left to the Department by these words, checked only by the
requirement of the assent of the Agricultural Board.

It will be convenient to consider, in the first instance, the methods of the
Department in administering the powers and financial resources given them
by the Act of L899 in reference to assistance to agriculture — 1, by improved
agricultural education ; 2, by methods other than educational.

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1. Agricultural Education.

37. The first report of the Department, that for the year ending March
31, 1901, contains in a memorandum on agricultural education in Ireland
by Sir Horace Plunkett a,n outline of the plan which it was proposed the
Department should endeavour to carry out. Starting with two assump-
tions — (1)

. “ That Irish farming does admit of an improvement which, if effected, would involve a vast
addition to the nation’s wealth, would greatly enhance the comfort and well-being of the people,
and would tend in some measure to check the deplorable drain of emigration
and (2)

“ That, whatever other causes may account for the backwardness of our agricultural methods,
even if all these causes were removed, a thoroughly sound and modern system of agricultural
education must precede any considerable or rapid progress towards a high state of efficiency ”

he proceeds to sketch the general plan of a system which, having regard
to the special needs of Ireland, he considers most likely in some measure
to attain the desired end. “ There are in Ireland over half a million
farmers and labourers, with the usual proportion of sons and daughters.”
How are the small owners and their families to be provided with the means
of agricultural education, and be brought to appreciate the material advantages
which would result from the adoption of a sound, system ? The difficulty
common to all new systems of education is that the “ supply has to precede
the demand.”

“A full understanding of the value of education, and consequently a desire for it, is only
given to those who have enjoyed its advantages. We have already had the most gratifying proof
that among the Irish farming classes are to be found far more than the usual proportion of local
leaders who are enthusiastic advocates of agricultural education. Nevertheless, the difficulty I
have referred to exists in rural communities in Ireland as it does elsewhere.”

Sir Horace proceeds to point out the necessity of making the whole
system of education of the country inter-dependent. Agricultural and tech-
nical education should not be treated as a separate system, with institutions
established on a separate basis, but connected with and in relation to existing
educational systems, primary, secondary, and higher. The importance of the
connection between the National schools and agricultural education will be
dealt with later in this Report. Following out these lines, the memorandum
m question does not advocate in the first instance “ institution building.” This
should come later on. The ground was not yet prepared for agricultural
colleges on a large scale.

“ Such colleges turn oufc agricultural professors, it is true, but they do not turn out farmers,
and the farmers do not resort to them.”

It was, however, eminently necessary to make some provision for training
of teachers. Accordingly, the Act had provided for the taking over by the
Department and the enlarging of the Albert Institution, Glasnevin, and the
Munster Dairy School and Institution.

“ Although we do not intend at present to multiply such institutions, we intend to make the
utmost use of those we already have,”

The general outline of the scheme is thus summed up: —

, . Our scheme at the outset is threefold in its operation. It consists of itinerant instruction,
of the utilisation of existing schools, and of the training of teachers. But at a further stage, which
will be reached at an earlier or a later date according to local conditions, but which should not be
prematurely forced, technical schools to serve a county or smaller area, either exclusively or
partially for the special teaching of agriculture, will be required. These may, and we hope will,
ead up to higher agricultural institutions aided by groups of counties, the provincial line being
observed if there be any strong sentiment or practical convenience to be served thereby.

h°P e eventually to see established as part of the educational machinery of every county
m Ireland an itinerant agricultural instructor, whose services shall be given exclusively and
permanently to the particular county to the Council of which he is attached. If there is one feature
o agricultural education which, having been tested to the utmost in every country of the world,
as stood that test better than any other, it is the itinerant instructor. In our researches at the
line of the Recess Committee this was a feature which in every country the administrator and the
educationist laid stress upon, as showing invariably most fruitful results.”

Such was the outline of the scheme of agricultural education by means of
which the Department proposed to set about fulfilling in part the duty
imposed upon it of promoting agriculture in Ireland.

C 2

Scheme of

Agricultural

Education.

First Annual Report
p. 116 , see also
Appendix XXXI.

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Organisation of

Agricultural

Education.

Campbell, 1309.

1316.

1315.

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(a.) ACTION OF CENTRAL AUTHORITY.

38. We will first deal with the steps taken by the Department and the
Agricultural Board independently of the local authorities.

When the Department came into existence, for one reason or. another, all
attempts to encourage agricultural education with the aid of public funds had
come to an end with the exception of the two institutions already mentioned,
the Albert Institution at Glasnevin, and the Munster Institution near Cork
and of the work of the Congested Districts Board. The Commissioners of
National Education at one time had a number of schools where agricultural
instruction was given by teachers who had been trained at Glasnevin, and to
many of these schools farms were attached, but all these had ceased to exist
before the Department began its operations. The field, therefore, which the
Department had to cultivate was in many respects unpromising.

Some of the difficulties to be encountered in creating any appreciation of
the value of education for agricultural purposes are thus graphically stated
by Professor Campbell, Assistant Secretary of the Department in respect of
agriculture —

“ The occupier of the land, himself, is not always a man of education, nor can he be expected
to appreciate its advantages except as a means of his son’s obtaining employment elsewhere. To
induce the farmer, therefore, to make some sacrifice to give the son who is to succeed him in the
holding a technical education suitable to his calling, it is necessary first of all to convince him of
its advantages. It is impracticable to bring the farmer himself to school, and therefore the only
way he canbe brought into contact with the application of science to agriculture is by sending
round instructors to give lectures in the evenings ; to visit holdings during the day and discuss
privately with the occupier the various problems which confront him in his practice. Such an
officer, if he is armed with a thorough knowledge of his business, both scientific and practical,
rarely’ fails to convince a farmer of the fact that he would have been more successful had he
received an agricultural education, and that it is to his son’s advantage that he should be given
one. Such work, I need not point out, is, however, slow, and even in the most progressive
countries requires patience and determined perseverance. It is a universal experience that the
more highly educated, capable, and progressive the farmer, the more he appreciates technical
education and desires it. With the agriculture of Ireland in a backward condition, where the
smartest sons forsake, the land, where the holdings are often too small to be economically managed,
where the farmer’s financial resources are very limited, where a system of agricultural credit often
of the worst possible description exists, and where the people have been taught that improvement
of their land may mean an increase in rent, the Committee will, I think, realise that the Depart-
ment has very real difficulties to face.”

The main objects of the educational policy initiated and pursued by the
Department are thus stated by Professor Campbell : —

“(l.) To provide at one central institution the highest form of technical education for the
training of men who are to become teachers and specialists in agriculture. This has been done at
the Royal College of Science in connection with the farm and college at Glasnevin.

“ (2.) To provide at least one high-class agricultural college which would form a stepping-stone
to men desirous of entering the Royal College of Science, as well as men, the sons of well-to-do
farmers, who wish for an education to enable them to manage their own farms, and men who
desire to become creamery managers, or who wish to have a special training to fit them as horti-
cultural or poultry experts, stewards, land agents, or other occupations in connection with
agriculture. This has been provided at the Albert Agricultural College, Glasnevin.

“ (3.) To provide provincial institutions at which young men who can be spared from the farm
for one year can be taken in as apprentices and taught agriculture, both practical and technical,
at a fee proportionate to their means. This work, which had to be delayed until teachers were
trained, is now in progress at three such institutions, and the provision of others is in contempla-
tion.” .

“ (4.) To provide winter schools of agriculture where the sons of farmers could obtain technical
training at small expense during the winter months, when they can best be spared from farm
work. Twenty-three such schools were started last winter in eleven counties, where progress had
already been made with itinerant instruction.”

“ (5.) To provide one central higher institution for the training of women in the domestic
economy of the farmhouse, and of work which falls to the lot of women to perform in connection
with the farmyard, as, for example, dairying and poultry -keeping. This provision has been made

at the Munster Institute, Cork.”

“ (6.) To provide agricultural education for girls at residential and any schools of domestic
economy. This has been done at a number of institutions, while the equipment of others is under
consideration.”

“ (7.) To provide in each county instruction and advice for the existing farmers and their wives,
sons, and daughters, who cannot avail themselves of other means of acquiring information, by a
system of itinerant instruction in agriculture, horticulture, dairying, poultry-keeping and bee-
keeping.”

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39. It is needless to say that the process of endeavouring to give effect to the
principles above stated was a gradual one. If the central object of the plan
was to spread instruction through the country by co-operating with local
committees in enabling them to appoint qualified instructors, it was of tiie
first importance to take steps to enable the local committees to find persons
qualified to act as local instructors. When the Department commenced
operations there were but few persons to be found in Ireland so qualified.
The Department thereupon at once set about taking measures for the
training of persons to qualify them to act as instructors.

(a.) Agricultural Education for Men and Youths.

It will be observed that the plau of agricultural education above set out
contemplates separate arrangements for the training of young men and young
women. We will first deal with the provision made for the former.

40. The administration of the Science and Art Grant, vested in the Depart-
ment by section 2 (l) (g) of the Act of 1899, carried with it the duty of the
management of the Royal College of Science. In October, 1900, the Depart-
ment established an Agricultural Faculty in the College, so as to bring the
courses of study into close touch with the Albert Institution at Glasnevin,
and to attract students to benefit by the higher education provided by the
courses at the College of Science by establishing scholarships sufficient to
enable them to pursue these studies at very small expense.

The course of instruction at the College of Science extends over three
years. This is considered by the Department an insufficient period for proper
training for the purpose of higher agricultural education, and it is contemplated
to extend the course to cover four years.

At the outset in October, 1900, nine young men, all well acquainted with
the practice of agriculture, were enrolled as students. A number of scholar-
ships have been offered every year since that date. These scholarships are
of the value of one guinea per week during residence, and confer the privilege
of free education. The cost to the Department of each scholar is £65 per
annum. The necessary funds are provided partly out of the Science and
Art Grant, partly out of the Endowment Fund of the Department. In
1901 provision was made for 10 scholarships at the Royal College of Science,
of which five were available for agricultural students. At a meeting of the
Agricultural Board in April, 1902, a sum not exceeding £500 was voted
by the Board for scholarships for the year 1902-3 ; in August of the
same year an additional sum of £400 was voted by the Board; and further
provision was made in August, 1904, and August 1905, for the same purpose.
Of the 35 students in residence in June, 1906, 15 were furnished with
scholarships out of the annual vote, and 20 out of the Endowment Fund.

At the meeting of the Board in August, 1902, it was reported that the
Treasury had consented to make provision for a Chair of Agriculture at
the Royal College, and for certain assistant professors and lecturers. It
was, however, considered by the Department that the Treasury arrangement
was insufficient, and the Board, at the instance of the Department, voted
additional sums amounting on the whole to about £1,100 per annum for the
purpose of making further and better provision. Expenditure was also
needed for equipment and structural alterations, if the courses of instruc-
tion which had already been begun at the college were to be continued as
had been arranged. The Treasury declined to give further assistance at
that time, and it was proposed that the Department should contribute £4,000,
£2,000 to be voted by the Agricultural Board, and £2,000 by the Board of
Technical Instruction. The Agricultural Board assented to this proposal
under protest, being' strongly of opinion that “ the expenditure was one which
should not be placed on the Endowment Fund,” but should be included in
the annual vote for the college. We discuss the question of the distribution
of necessary expenditure between the Parliamentary Vote and the Endow-
ment Fund in that part of the Report which deals with Finance.

Training of In
structors.

Campbell, 1293.

Royal College o
Science.

First Ajinual Kepor

p. 22.

1320.

1328

1320.

Paragraphs 232 et s

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In consequence of the absence of accommodation for resident students at
the College of Science, 10 out of the 35 scholarship students in June last
resided at Glasnevin. A portion also of the instruction has for the same
reason been given at Glasnevin.

Campbell, 1327. Hitherto the supply of scholarships has been sufficient for the number

of qualified applicants.

“ The application for them has not been all that could be desired. It has taken a few years
for the youth of the country to realise their opportunities and the opening which the Department
has created for teachers of agriculture.”

Those who pass the examinations and are recommended for posts have
proved extremely satisfactory. There is an eager demand by local authorities
and other bodies for these students as agricultural instructors.

Employment of 41. With regard to the important question whether the training given at

Students in the courses of the College of Science serves its purpose of providing instructors

1 for employment in Ireland, the following answers by Professor Campbell

are important : —

“ 1334. Do many whom you turn out in this way go abroad or leave Ireland ? — Not yet.
“1335. Zou get appointments for them here 1 ? — Immediately; we pay them rather well,
otherwise they would leave us ; there is a big demand elsewhere for such men.”

He adds that the demand comes to some extent from England, but still more
from other countries. In fact, however, one of the difficulties of the Depart-
ment has been that it has not as yet been able to supply the demand for
trained instructors at a rate sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the local
authorities in Ireland.

42. In close connection with the College of Science is the Albert Insti-
tution at Glasnevin, near Dublin. The origin of this institution has been
already referred to. By the Act of 1899, it will be remembered, the powers
and duties of the Commissioners of National Education relating to the Albert
Institution were transferred to the Department.- At the time of the transfer two
courses of instruction were given in each year — one for women in domestic
economy and dairying, and one, at a different time of year, for men in agricul-
ture. This method was felt to be open to serious objection. It was expensive,,
requiring a duplication of staff, and it was inefficient, one course of six months
in agriculture being clearly inadequate for . a high-class college. The
Department determined to equip the college partly as a school preparatory to
the more advanced courses of the College of Science, partly as affording
agricultural training to the class of young men who were prepared to pay a
fair proportion of the cost of their education in order to fit themselves for
an agricultural career, either as practical farmers or as teachers.

Considerable expense was incurred in reconstructing the buildings, out-
buildings, in the purchase of additional land, laboratory accommodation, and
classes in connection with the College of Science.

By section 15, (1) (f) of the Actof 1899, an annual sum of £6,000, “ to be
paid out of money provided by Parliament, representing the amount of the
expenses heretofore paid out of such money in connection with instruction
given in Ireland in agriculture, exclusive of any such instruction given in
elementary National Schools,” was placed at the disposal of the Department.
This amount practically represented the expenditure on the Albert and
Munster Institutions. In November, 1903, the Agricultural Board approved
of a proposal to expend a further annual sum of £2,000 for the purposes-
of these institutions.

As to the character of the instruction given and the scholarships,
Professor Campbell states : —

'• The students’ course now extends throughout the year, during which they are taught English,
mathematics, surveying, agricultural chemistry, agricultural botany, agriculture both in the held
and in the class-room, horticulture, butter-making, poultry-keeping, bee-keeping, and manual
instruction in woodwork. The students devote half their time to indoor and half to outdoor
studies. A resident staff, who give instruction in well-equipped laboratories, now take the place
ot the former system of lectures by visiting masters.

Twenty-five free scholarships, entitling the holder to maintenance and education, are offered
per annum. Farmers’ sons pay £25, and others £60 per annum.”

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Albert Institu-
tion.

In addition to the 25 free students, there were in June last ten paying 1337 *
students, eight at £25 and two at £60. The scholarships cover every
expense, a liberality of which Professor Campbell does not entirely approve.

He thinks there ought to be some fee varying according to means or
valuation. In this view we concur. The scholarships or free places, as they
are more appropriately called, are much sought after. There are usually
about 60 candidates for the 25 free places. Professor Campbell looks
for an improvement in the system when local schools are better organised.

He hopes to have the best pupils sent on from local schools by scholarships 1350,
properly so-called.

The accommodation at the Albert College might be enlarged so as to 1353 -
admit more students than the 45 who are now there, including the 10
College of Science students ; but Professor Campbell evidently considers it of
more importance to keep up the standard of knowledge than to
increase the numbers. On similar grounds he considers that at present, at 1375.
all events, one college of the Albert type is enough for Ireland.

43. In addition to the students above referred to, there are the horticul- ?^g^ g tural
tural students under training in the gardens with the view of their becoming ig^aiso Moore,
county horticultural instructors. These are admitted after examination, as 1 4364a.
apprentices, and do the actual work of gardening free of cost to themselves ;

they reside outside the college, and are paid 18s. to 25s. a week. They
have facilities for carrying on their studies in the college. There is no
limit to the time they may continue to work in the garden. “ They go 1363 '
on till they are qualified, or we find we cannot educate them.” All those who
have qualified have been appointed to vacant posts in Ireland.

44. It has been stated that many of the students educated at the After career of
Albert College did not remain in Ireland, and a member of the Agricultural Students.
Board in November, 1905, asked for information on the subject. Inquiries

were made, with the result that not one of the pupils educated there since the
Department came into existence had left the country. “ They could not get 136(5 »
such good posts out of Ireland as they get in it.” Professor Campbell thus
sums up his evidence on this point : —

“ This is really of a type that is known all over the Continent as the agricultural college, as 1374.
distinct from a technical high-class college where there is no farm, where it is all laboratory work.

Here you have a fair share of attention given to both,

“ It is between the Royal College of Science and the class of Institution I am coming to deal 1375 .
with now, where the pupils are really apprentices, and, of course, it is meant as a sort of sub-
station to enable young men to come up from the country and get into the Royal College, and it is
also meant as an institution where men who want training of that kind will get it in Ireland, and
not have to go to an agricultural college in England. Formerly a man would have to go to an
English college — several Irishmen did. Now it won’t be necessary, because we have provided one
institution of that type, but only one, on the ground that the Department believe that one is
sufficient for the purpose of that kind.”

45. Another class of institution has been established by the Depart- Agricultural
ment, or perhaps it should be said, is in process of being established. The Stations,
■earliest of these in point of date was that at Clonakilty, in county Cork. 137 °'

The Bishop of Boss, in whose diocese this institution is situated, took a 3053 .
prominent part in its organisation. He was one of two trustees of a property 3075
in the county of Cork who handed it over to the Department on condition
that it should, be worked as an agricultural station. He “almost
made it a condition ” that; the Department should appoint a Scotchman
whose acquaintance the Bishop had made, <f because I thought he was the
best man we could get.” The appointment was made. The Bishop gave
interesting evidence as to what he considered should be the leading charac-
teristics of an institution of this kind, views which the Department sub-
stantially share and have adopted.

“ Professor Campbell, Mr. Gill, and I particularly considered the matter very carefully, and I 30:33.
also maintained that we should remove from these institutions, as far as possible, all notions of
schools or colleges, and we should remove from the students all ideas of students or scholars, that
the very word would have a bad effect ; * * * the young men there are not students or

scholars, but apprentices to farming, and the work is altogether of a practical character.”

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Campbell, 1376.

1375

1382-6.

15184.

Three of these institutions have been started — Clonakilty, as above
mentioned, in county Cork ; Athenry, in county Galway ; and Bally-
haise, in county Cavan. It is the intention of the .Department, as qualified
teachers become available, to start similar institutions elsewhere. The quali-
fications for admission are that the applicants must satisf} r the Department

“ that they are to become farmers in Ireland, and that they have an immediate or early
prospect of obtaining a holding.”

It is hoped that these precautions will tend to prevent young men using
these institutions as a means of getting into some other profession or
business. It is laid down as a principle that students must pay something.
This it will be remembered, is recommended by Professor Campbell in the
case of the Albert College. The present fees are graduated according to the
means of the parent or guardian as tested by his valuation. When the
valuation does not exceed £20, £3 ; £30, £5 ; £75, £10 ; exceeding £75, £15 ;
other apprentices £20.

“ These would be the sons of a man in the town who is determined to make his son a
farmer, and shows us that he is going to buy land, he would have to pay £20. That is the
system, it has drawbacks, certainly, but that is the system which will be successful, I believe
because the fee of £3 is very small. For that the apprentice is boarded and lodged and
educated for a year, so you will see it is a mere nominal charge ; but still he has to sacrifice
something in order to get in, and there is not this question of a free place to wait for.”

At this institution the course at present lasts for one year. The nature
of the instruction is described as follows : —

“ In addition to being taught practical field operations, such as have to be performed on a well-
managed holding, the apprentices receive class-room instruction in English, farm arithmetic, survey-
ing, book-keeping, and agriculture. They also study the methods of improving land, tillage, cultiva-
tion of crops, use and purchase of manures, seeds, and feeding-stuffs, the management of pastures,
dairying, butter-making, gardening, hedging, wood and iron work, etc.”

The Department had to surmount some difficulties before any of these
institutions could be established.

“ Agrarian troubles have had to be faced, and, whereas in any other country the procedure
would have been quite simple to acquire land, erect buildings, appoint a staff, and proceed to take
in pupils, we have had to move with the utmost caution, doing one thing at a time, and to
wait for local suspicions and misunderstandings to die out. There is always a staff of old
retainers and old workmen at these institutions. We want to teach our apprentices first-class
methods of ploughing and hedging and sowing, and so on, and to use modern implements, but we
dare not put in skilled workmen to teach them ; we must work with their existing men who have
been there all their lives. Public opinion would not tolerate their removal, and the Depart-
ment would not do so ; so we have to proceed with the greatest caution, and try to do the best
we can to educate them by means of the ordinary labourei-s that are there, and to wait, of
course, until these difficulties will be removed. By and by the people themselves will say
that better men must be brought in if the apprentices are to be trained, and in a year or two,
I have no doubt, when they have seen the work we do, public opinion will aid us. I
mention that to show you that work of this kind in Ireland is excessively difficult, and one must
proceed with the utmost caution, doing one thing at a time, until you gradually build up your
scheme. I only refer to that because I think it is right the Committee should understand the
class of work that we have to deal with, otherwise they might picture to themselves, some of them
at any rate, the sort of conditions that exist in Canada, or England, or Scotland, -where none of
these difficulties have to be faced.”

The evidence subsequently given before us appears largely to justify the
anticipation expressed. Not only have the three institutions above referred
to been started at the end of the year 1905 and the beginning of 1906 with a
fair measure of success, but there appears to be a widespread demand for other
institutions of a similar type,* and the difficulty is rather adequately to satisfy
this demand than to overcome suspicion as to the objects and methods of the
Department. Professor Campbell regards agricultural stations, however, as
being still “ more or less experiments.” He contemplates the probability of
ultimately having, besides the three already mentioned, one in North Munster,
one in South-east Leinster, and at least one in Ulster, but has never <f contem-
plated going beyond that.”

* Antrim, M'Cance, 8821-6; Armagh, Huston. 8475; Glare, Breen, Rev. M., 5276, 5279,
5281-97 ; Donegal, Hanna, 7740-54; Down, Small, 10262; Robb, 9140; Leitrim, Meehan’
Rev. J , 7027, 7068; Keane, 6815-8 ; Monaghan, Toal, 10059-77; Greenbank, 9653; Queen’s,
1 If 85 ; -Roscommon, Neary, 6936-7; Sligo, Collery, 7019-22; Tipperary, Crowe Rev P
o/40 : Tyrone, Montgomery, 3352, 3413 ; Waterford, Coughlan, 10967-9; Wexford, Bolger, 10570-9 ;
Enms, 11019-21 ; Hore, 10732-8, 10744; Wicklow, Carey, 12922-4. °

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46. We have already referred to the offer of Dr. Kelly, Bishop of Ross, of the
farm of Clonakilty, in the county of Cork, to the Department for the pur-
pose of an agricultural station. That offer was gratefully accepted by the
Agricultural Board in November, 1904, and a sum of £6,000 was voted
in connection with the purchase of the stock and erection of buildings. The
necessary buildings were proceeded with, providing accommodation for thirty
students. It was opened in October, 1905, with fifteen students. As to the
number of students at this and the other similar institutions, Professor
Campbell observes : —

“ This is another illustration of our experience in other directions ; it requires a year or two be-
fore the people will have confidence in these institutions, and before they understand how to pro-
ceed to get into them. That is quite different from anything, for example, that I have had to deal
with of a similar nature in England or Scotland. They do not read the agricultural Press quite
in the same way, and you require one man in the neighbourhood to begin, and once his son has
been there you -will find in a year or two others will follow.”

47. The agricultural station at Athenry (county Galway) is likely to become
of much importance not only as an educational establishment, but for the
keeping and breeding of stock and for other purposes connected with the
working of the county schemes in Connaught.

Considerable difficulty was experienced by the Department in finding
a suitable place for a station. At length arrangements were made with
the Congested Districts Board for the taking over by, the Department
of a contract which had been entered into by the Board for the purchase
of an estate near Athenry, consisting of 2,305 acres. Subsequently the
Estates Commissioners took over from the Department 1,565 acres, leaving
740 acres to be used in connection with the agricultural station. The net
estimated cost of the land retained, with the buildings upon it, was £13,086.
The sum of £3,011 has already been expended on buildings, and a further
expenditure of £15,000 has been provisionally sanctioned by the Board.
These figures represent the cost of the educational establishment and of the
stock centre, taken together.

Some trouble was encountered in dealing with the tenants on the estate.
Eventually terms were arranged through the Estates Commissioners. There
were no suitable buildings for resident students at the station, and a tem-
porary building capable of accommodating 10 apprentices was erected,

“ In order that one might demonstrate the sort of thing the Department is going to do.
The very fact that the Department had got that farm was altogether misunderstood, as is
often the case, and it is necessary to begin and show the people what we are going to do. Their
suspicions are aroused, they dread that some calamity is going to fall upon them from the presence
of a Government institution.”

In November, 1905, it was reported to the Agricultural Board that a
resident master had been appointed, and was about to take up duty ; that
twenty-four applications for apprenticeship had been received, and ten can-
didates selected as the result of an examination. Having regard to the limited
character of the accommodation, the apprentices are not required to pay
any fees, but are expected to work more on the farm than is usual in
similar institutions. Flans for a building accommodating a considerably larger
number of apprentices are being prepared, and extensive additions to the
present farm buildings are contemplated to enable the institution to serve the
double purpose already referred to.

48. In June, 1904, Professor Campbell brought before the Agricultural Board
a proposal to establish an agricultural station for the North of Ireland, and
Ballyhaise, county Cavan, which was then in the market, was purchased for
that purpose for a sum of £19,000. The estate consisted of a mansion capable
of being altered for the purpose required, and about 700 acres of land capable
of being worked as a mixed farm. In November, 1905, it was reported to the
Board that nineteen candidates for apprenticeship had been examined and
eleven selected. The institution was opened in January, 1906, with twenty
apprentices.

49. As already stated, these agricultural stations must be considered as being
still in the experimental stage, and no doubt, as will be seen from the details
given above, the experiment is costly. If the demand for the multiplication

Clonakilty
Paragraph 45.

1375.

Athenry.
Campbell, 15200.

Campbell, 15241-3.
1378.

Ballyhaise.

General

Observations.

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of these stations is any test, it would seem that the general opinion is in fa ; vour
of the establishment of similar institutions in other parts of Ireland.
Not only is the actual cost in money of their establishment and maintenance
heavy, but the Department has, in the early stages at all events, to give up
for its superintendence officers of the central staff.

Campbell, 1886 . . It. must be borne in mind that farming mainly for the purpose of

instruction, does not, as a general rule, pay. Clonakiltv, for instance, will
probably involve a net cost of about £3,000 a year. The justification for
this and similar expenditure rests upon the need for instruction in the practice
of agriculture, and in the value to the farmer of the knowledge and experience
1389. gained by the methods adopted at these agricultural stations. In many
parts of Ireland tillage, according to Professor Campbell, is a lost art.
As to the importance of stimulating tillage there is general concurrence.
No witness expressed himself more strongly on this point than Mr. John
14298. Sweetman. Young men, for instance, must be taught to plough. But this
teaching at an agricultural station cannot be economical. A station farm of
600 or 700 acres, which on economical principles should be cultivated by the
aid of steam, or motor, has to be cultivated by the aid of horses, for those who
are to be trained must plough the small holdings to which they will return,' by
the only method they can employ. The principle on which the Department
has endeavoured to act in this and similar matters is that the institution
must be adapted to the means and conditions of the people, and must aim at
teaching them to make the most use of the materials, implements, and oppor-
tunities which alone will, in all probability, be available to them in after life.
The method appears to us to be based on sound principles, but further

See paragraphs 243, experience is needed before a final verdict upon the working of the system
can be pronounced.

Winter Classes.

Campbell, 1896.

Paragraph 38

50. It was felt that, to whatever extent these agricultural stations might
ultimately be multiplied, and however beneficial and widespread the influence
of those who have been trained at these places might be in the neighbour-
hood to which they return, it was necessary to adopt other methods of instruc-
tion for those who could not give the time or money for the year’s course at an
agricultural station. It was found much easier for farmers to let their sons go for
instruction during the winter than during the summer months, when they could
with difficulty be spared from the work of the farm. It was, therefore, deter-
mined in the early stages of the Department’s work to organise winter
classes in those counties mainly where the itinerant instructor in agriculture
had been at work for two or more years. The centres or schools where
these classes were held were of different types. Several admitted residential
pupils ; the majority appear to have been attended by young men living at
their own homes. As in other instances, the Department found it necessary
at first to organise these winter schools itself. Afterwards, when the
county committees had some experience of the sort of school it was intended
to establish, the funds and the work were transferred to the local authorities.
Ihere is now a printed scheme circulated to the county committees, who
carry on the schools, the Department giving them funds for doing it. The
whole time of one inspector is practically given to these local authorities to
advise them and help them in organising these schools.

Professor Campbell describes a typical school : —

“ A class-room at some rural centre convenient to a village or railway junction is secured ;
provision is made to have it warmed and lighted ; it is equipped with plain deal benches or tables,
and a supply of agricultural specimens, such as seeds and manures, feeding-stuffs, grasses, and such
Uke. Where the county itinerant instructor in agriculture is not available to teach the classes, the
Department provide a special teacher for the course. The county committee advertise the school,
and sometimes pay the travelling expenses of young men who attend the school regularly. In
tHe S 1 tU ? J 6n ? 13 su PP lied ™*h a mid-day meal gratis. Where a special teacher is em-
p ye , lie may hold classes three days at one centre and three at a second each week during the
* ch usually extends over twenty weeks, opening in October and closing in March. The
number of pupils in a class is limited to twenty-four, that being as much as one man can teach
beCailSe We /° not P e f mit o f more lecfc ures. They have to examine the work, seeds,
as f nd m S ,° 0n | . they W to examine them, and it is largely done by tutorial work

“1 fac *- The subjects taught are agriculture, soils, tillage, cropping, manures (natural

and artificial), seeds, grasses, weeds, treatment of pastures, management of live stock, including

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•winter dairying, valuation of manures and feeding-stuffs, simple farm account-keeping, mensura-
tion elementary chain surveying, and elementary science explanatory of the principles underlying
ordinary farm practice. This instruction is given by the resident teacher, while lectures and
demonstrations are given on horticulture and poultry-keeping by county instructors, and on
veterinary science by visiting teachers. In two centres, where the classes are held for five hours
on five days per week during twenty weeks, a more extended course is given, and_ laboratory
equipment, which is considered unnecessary for the shorter courses already referred to, is provided.
In these two cases a maintenance allowance of from 12s. to 15s. per week is made to pupils who,
bein" unable to travel daily to and from their homes, find it necessary to reside at the class
centres.”

The question of the organisation of these classes was brought before
the Agricultural Board by the Yice-President in March, 1904. He
reminded the Board of the scheme sketched in the memorandum above
referred to, that itinerant instruction should be followed by the establish-
ment of certain institutions, and stated that the Department had been
gaining experience as to the best means of carrying out this idea.

“ With this view they had tried some types of schools, such as the Monaghan School. The
experience they had gained showed the inadvisability of trying to establish a rigid system of
schools. The special circumstances of the locality must, in all cases, dictate the kind of school to
be encouraged. The Department proposed to aid in the establishment of a boys’ secondary school
of the residential type at Mount Bellew, County Galway, where the Franciscan Brothers already
had a school which could easily be converted into a school of the kind contemplated.”

The Board, on the proposal of the Yice-President, voted a sum of
£10,000 for the initiation of this scheme. This vote covered the establish-
ment of similar schools for the education of girls, to be explained below.
Winter classes began in 1902-3, and the number of pupils attending, including
those in the residential schools, rose from 48 in that year to 404 in 1905-6.
The number of classes held rose from 2 in 1902-3 to 24 in 1905-6 The average
age of the pupils, confined by the regulations to those over 16, was older than
was expected— 20 to 21. This is attributed to the influence of the itinerant
instruction. Young men get interested, and “ have a desire for more
systematic study.” Such questions as the peculiarities of various kinds of
artificial manures and quality of seeds often arouse in the farmers a strong
desire that their sons should be better instructed than they are themselves.

It is remarkable that these schools answer better in the country than
in towns. Canadian experience is similar. The pupils come long distances to
attend them, and though the period of twenty weeks appears to be a long time
for young men of this class to be absent from their farms, and the twenty weeks
is not always kept to, there seems to be no difficulty in retaining the pupils for a
sufficient period, unless for some reason there has been delay in commencing
the course. Some difficulty is felt in getting suitable buildings for the
centres, but, on the whole, it is claimed that the system has been successful.
As has already been said, it depends on and succeeds a course of efficient
itinerant instruction, and is confined to those parts of the country where this
condition exists. A list of the centres and other figures relating to Winter
Schools will be found in the Appendix.

(/3.) Agricultural Education for Girls and Women.

So far we have been dealing with the efforts of the Department to
organise the agricultural education of men and youths. We have now to
deal with the corresponding organisation for the instruction of women and
girls.

51. It has already been pointed out that, before the establishment of the
Department, a six months’ course of instruction in dairying was organised for
women at the Albert Institution at Glasnevin. The reason which influenced
the Department in discontinuing this arrangement has also been referred to.

It will Also be remembered that, by Section 2 (1) (h) of the Act of 1899,
the powers and duties of the National Commissioners in connection with the
Munster Dairy School and Agricultural Institute, styled in the Act the
Munster Institution, and also all property held by those Commissioners for
the purpose of that institution, were transferred to the Department.

D 2

Campbell, 1396.

1397.

1416.

Appendix I.

Paragraghs 2, 3,

The Munster
Institution.

S.S. 2 (1) (A 30(1)

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Seot. 18 (1) (J).

Beamish, 4809.

4811.

4812-880.

4^36.

It was also provided that —

“A capital sum which shall not, save with the like concurrence of the Agricultural Board
exceed ten thousand pounds shall be applied for the purpose of purchasing and stocking additional
land, and providing suitable buildings, fittings, and appliances in connection therewith for the
Munster Institution.”

The nature and extent of the powers and duties of the National Commis-
sioners to which the .Department succeeded, must be gathered from the
scheme framed under the Educational Endowments Act, 1885, already
referred to, by which the Governors of the institution had been incorporated,
and their relations with the National Commissioners defined. This scheme
came into force on May 21, 1894, and there does not appear to be any
provision in the Act of 1899 which affects its validity. The leg-al position,
therefore, appears to have been that the Department, under the Act of 1899,
succeeded to the powers and duties of the National Commissioners in relation
to the incorporated body of Governors, with the obligation of expending
£10,000, which was placed at the disposal of Department for the purposes
mentioned in the sub-section above quoted. The Department might also
expend such further capital sums on the same purposes as might be approved
by the Agricultural Board.

Unfortunately, a difference of opinion arose between the Department and
the Governors as regards the lines on which the institution should be
developed.

The Governors had been anxious for some years before the advent of the
Department to establish a separate farm for the teaching of male agricultural
pupils. Unsuccessful applications had been made to the Treasury for funds
for this purpose. At last, in 1887, a sum of £2,000 was granted to be spent
“ on agricultural education of some sort,” without mention of any specific
application of the money. Immediately after the passing of the Act of 1899,
and before it came into force, interviews took place between the Governors
and Sir Horace Plunkett with reference, amongst other things, to the proposed
school for males, and the Governors appear to have regarded the provision
in the Act as to the £10,000 as intended to apply to this scheme. The idea
of a separate institution for males was not discountenanced by Sir Horace
Plunkett, and a letter of his to the Secretary of the Cork county council is
quoted by Mr. Beamish in support of his contention that at first the Vice-
President encouraged the Governors to believe that he was quite in favour of
their scheme for the improvement of agricultural education in Munster.

This letter was written before the Act came into force, before the
appointment of the Assistant Secretary in Agriculture, and before any
comprehensive scheme of agricultural education had been framed. It, no
doubt,, contemplates the utilising of the £10,000 for the purpose of adding to
the existing. institute such a farm as was proposed by the Governors for male
pupils, but it is obvious that it is entirely provisional in its character, and
that if on further consideration a better method could be devised of utilising
the £10,000 in conformity with the Act and organising the institute in the
best interests of agricultural education, it would be the duty of Sir Horace
Plunkett to promote that which on the fullest consideration, he was
convinced was the best method of attaining the ends which both he and the
Governors had in view, Mr. Beamish gives in detail the interviews and
correspondence in which this change of view was intimated to the Governors.
The substantial question was whether or not the £10,000 provided by the
Act ought, and was in fact, intended to be applied to the purchase of
additional land for the purpose of establishing an advanced school for male
pupils, or should, as the Department proposed, be applied to an extension of
the existing dairy school and the provision of accommodation and equipment
for a larger number of female students, who should receive a complete course of
agricultural education, comprising not only dairying, but poultry farmino- and
other domestic industries, including domestic economy. The Department’s
plan, in substance, was that the Munster Institution should be organised for the
agiicultural education of young women on lines similar to those adopted at the
Albert Institution for the agricultural education of young men. It was also, as
ias already been shown, part of its plan that a separate institute should be
established m the South of Ireland for the education of young men, and this

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-was afterwards carried out by the station at Clonakilty. Legal difficulties
arose as to the respective rights of the Governors under their scheme or, as it
was called, their “ charter,” and of the Department under the Act of 1899.

Proposals were made by the Governors for an alteration of the “charter” of gg; t 0 u " e ’

1894 bv providing for a representation on the body of the Governors of the Plunkett.

Cork county council proportionate to the contribution from the rates which
they might make. The suggestion of the Department was in effect that the n^tgo^p^unk^ttto 1
Governors should become an advisory instead of an executive body. On Beamish’; x 0 _v 21,
December 20, 1902, the Governors passed a resolution by six votes to five

“ That the Governors decline to accept the position offered them, by the Department in the 4827.
term s of their letter of the 2-lst of November.”

1902 , Gill to Beamish,

This resolution was apparently intended as a refusal on the part of the
Governors to take any further share in the management of the institution. Mr.
Beamish says

“ Practically we declined to act as an advisory committee. We left. We resigned.” 4820.

Sir George Colthurst adds : —

“ What we felt was this. Supposing we kept on, there was dual control. Finding it was neces-
sary for the good of the school, if they had the power and insisted on administering without us, it
was far better to let them do it. We don’t wish to injure the school in any way. It was far
simpler for us to withdraw,”

From that date, so far as we are aware, the Governors have taken no
part in the management of the Munster Institution. On the other hand, the
Department has considered itself free, with the concurrence of the Agricul-
tural Board, to enlarge and conduct the Institution on the lines above
indicated.

52. We cannot leave this part of the case without expressing our regret that Observations and
no modus vivendi should have been found whereby these two important bodies suggestlon '

•could have acted together. Both were actuated by a single motive — the ad-
vancement by what each of them considered the most appropriate means of
•agricultural education in Ireland. The Department had. necessarily more
prominently in view its scheme affecting the whole country, while the
Governors had regard, as their charter provided, only to the requirements of
the province of Munster, The reconciliation of the powers and duties of the
Governors under their charter with the provisions of the Act of 1899, was a
matter of some difficulty, as is apparent from the legal opinion taken by the
Governors and printed in the notes. The Department appears to have consulted
its legal advisers in reference to the views expressed in this opinion, but we Letter, Plunkett to
do not gather that any doubt was felt as to the substantial correctness of the Beamuih - 4820 -
legal view' taken by Mr. Connor, k,c., the Counsel consulted by the Governors. 4326 .

Assuming its correctness, it seems to follow that, in order to carry out
•completely the views of the Department, Parliamentary sanction was necessary.

From the legal point of view it would seem that, after the so-called resignation
•of the Governors, both parties were to some extent in a false position. The
Governors declined to carry out the duties imposed upon them by their charter
or statutory scheme ; and the Department acted as though no such statutory
powers were in existence, and treated the Munster Institution as if it was as
completely and exclusively under its control as the agricultural stations of
Clonakilty or Athenry.

It would serve no useful purpose if we were to examine in detail the corre-
spondence and communications between the par ties and endeavour to ascertain
whether or not this unfortunate rupture might have been avoided. It is more
important to refer to the intimations given at the close of the evidence by the Plunkett, 17282
Vice-President and the Secretary of the Department to the effect that they Gm » 17141-4
would welcome the co-operation of the Governors in getting the situation
regularised, and that such a result could only be accomplished by the aid of
Parliament. It will, we think, be seen, when we have described the working
of the Institution under the regime of the Department, that there is a far
stronger case for such steps as are here suggested than existed at the time of
the discussions between the Governors and the Department in 1902. We feel
bound to express an earnest hope that the Department and the Governors

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Subsequent
Working of the
Institution.

1422.

Loughrey.
Campbell, 1429.

1432.

1439.

1440.

See Memorandum on
County Schemes.

Rural Schools.
Campbell, 1445.

Paragraph 38.

1446.

may yet be able to find some method of co-operation which, while not
interfering with or checking the beneficial working-of the system of education
now carried on, may bring to its aid the great advantage of the best local
knowledge and experience. It will probably be necessary that any scheme
adapted to present conditions will require either a modification of the
‘'Charter” of 1894 or ratification by Act of Parliament. We hope that
negotiations may be entered into between the Department and the Governors
for this purpose and may speedily prove successful.

53. From time to time the Agricultural Board voted the sums necessary for
maintenance and equipment, and in May, 1906, Professor Campbell told us
that the Institution had been fully equipped, and that a complete course of
training could be given to young women who were anxious to qualify for
appointments under the Department and under the local authorities. There
is now accommodation for fifty pupils, but the demand for admission is so
great that an intending pupil has to wait fifteen to eighteen months before
her turn for admission comes. There were, at the time of Professor Campbell’s
giving evidence, 230 candidates for admission on the Department’s books. The
nature of the training is thus described : —

“The aim and object of the course is to train young girls that when they return to theii
homes they may make better and more economic use of the materials they have to handle. An
extended course, however, is given to the best pupils in order that they may qualify themselves,
as teachers. Four sessions are held annually, each of about eleven weeks’ duration. The fee for
one session is three guineas, which is all the pupils pay for education, board and lodging and
medical attendance. Here, again, is an institution where a system of allowing no one in* without
paying something is in vogue, and you see the great difference in the demand for admission to such
a school and to Glasnevin. An examination is held at the end of each session. All students who
attain the necessary standard at the end of the first session may remain over for a second on pay-
ment of a fee Some of them may then get free places. It is considered that the six months’ course
of training thus obtained is sufficient for the great majority of girls who, as I have mentioned
before, desire to return to their homes, or for those who, as happens in several cases, desire to
obtain situations in private houses as dairy maids, laundry maids, and so on, and they can <*et
very good situations of that kind in connection with public institutions and even in private
establishments as well. The examination held at the end of the second session is, therefore so
designed as to enable the examiners to pick out those students who are likely to become capable
tethers in connection with the county instruction schemes. An examination of a similar character
is held at the end of the third session, and no student is given a certificate qualifying her to act
a,s a teacher unless she has been in residence in the school for at least four sessions, and in most

m - eS mu cours . e 1S ® xte . nd ed to a fifth, or even a sixth session. The course of training includes :

( 1 , 1 he practice of dairy work ; (2) the working of a dairy farm, including the feeding and
management cf cows and pigs, the cropping of small gardens, and the manipulation of bees : (3).
poultry keeping ; (4) household work, including plain cookery, needlework, and laundry work.”

54. The Munster Institution, though originally intended to serve only the
needs of the province of Munster, draws its pupils from all parts of Ireland.
The Department is taking steps to establish a similar institution in the
North of Ireland, and in May, last year, purchased for the purpose the Loughrey
estate in county Tyrone. In Professor Campbell’s opinion it was prudent to
wait before taking this step, which had for some time been under considera-
tion, in order “ to make quite sure that this demand was a genuine demand and
one that would increase.” There is, he adds, no doubt about it now : —

‘ I have no hesitation in saying it is due to the excellent training we give the girls there
’ > we f |ave specialists in the different departments, and have spared no pains to get some of
very best teachers of these subjects, and they are attracting these girls, I am quite sure.”

It is right to add that, from our own observations and on the evidence which
has been brought before us in various parts of Ireland, we consider Professor
Campbell is justified in the claim he makes on behalf of the training- of voung
women at the Munster Institution. J 5

55. The Department has also established certain small rural schools of
domestic economy for girls. These are at Portumna (Galway), Westport
(Mayo), Loughglynn (Roscommon), and Dunmanway (Cork). These schools
are not of a residential character. Instruction is given to the daughters of
T , e nei ghbounng farmers, who live in some cases at considerable distances,
inese schools are attached to convents, and are practically carried on bv the
nuns under the supervision of the Department.

In most of these convent schools, besides the training in agriculture and
rural domestic courses, industries such as lacework, artificial flower-making.

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crochet, carpet-making, &c., are also taught, and the girls are able thereby
to make some small earnings. The teaching of industries of this character
will be referred to in that portion of this Report which deals with technical
instruction. There are many points in which it is difficult to draw the line
between agricultural and technical instruction. The nuns and their eccle-
siastical superiors take great pains in training some of their own body, as
qualified teachers and introducing trained teachers from outside. Interesting
evidence on this point was given us by Dr. Kelly, Bishop of Ross, and Dr.

Clancy, Bishop of Elphin. Dr. Kelly said : —

“ We cannot boast of having the class of domestic knowledge they have in France. I felt 3042 .
very keen about this, and I impressed this upon the religious communities of nuns in my diocese,
and told them they should get training in order to teach. They agreed, and I worked out a
scheme to gather them together in one place, two or three sisters from each convent ; they were
to contribute pro rata to the expense, and I would get a teacher for them. This was agreed to,
and I applied to Mr. Blair, who was at the head of the Technical Branch here in Dublin, to
recommend me a teacher. He inquired what T was going to do, and I told him. He said, ‘ We
can save you the expense of the teacher ; that comes within the functions of the Department, and
we will supply you with a teacher.’ I was very pleased, and then, in consultation with Mr.

Rich, who is now under the London County Council — he was at that time stationed in Cork as
inspector — in consultation with Mr. Rich we got a Scotch lady, a Presbyterian ; we got her into
the convent. And perhaps I may say that the admiration and the affection between this lady
and the nuns, the mutual admiration and affection, was something literally amusing. These ladies
were trained, and I may say that that was an act cf initiative. She spent a year training these
Sisters in my diocese. The following year she trained the nuns of the diocese of Cloyue ; at the
present moment she is working in Thurles, training the nuns of the Counties Tipperary and
Limerick, and for next year she is engaged to go to Kilkenny to train the nuns of Kilkenny and
Ossory. The nuns were then examined by the Department and got certificates from the
Department as certificated teachers of domestic economy ; they were examined by the Education
Board in South Kensington in hygiene, and got certificates there also.”

Dr. Clancy, in whose diocese the convent and school of Loughglynn is
situated, gave us the following account of the establishment of the school and
of the work carried on there : —

“ I was rash enough some years ago to take over from the Congested Districts Board a large 3499.
house at Loughglynn, the mansion on the Dillon estate, about which so much has been heard, and
I found myself in possession of this large house and about seventy or eighty acres of land, and I
set about initiating, and I am glad to say, with the assistance of the Department, my initiative
has been crowned with the most brilliant success. I invited over a number of Belgian nuns, who
were thoroughly trained in every department of agriculture, who have no difficulty in looking
after the operations in the fields as well as in the homes, and know dairying, the rearing of calves,
the cultivation of poultry and all those things ; I got them over to take charge of the institution ;
the Department was good enough to give a very generous help to the venture, and the results are
of the most satisfactory character. We have at present 120 girls on the roll of our school ; the
average attendance every day is seventy or eighty, and these girls come to learn how to manage
the dairy, they churn, they make butter, they even make cheese ; we can send the most delicious
specimens of cheese to the market at the present time from there ; they are brought out in relays
to a small experimental plot and taught all the operations of agriculture ; the pupils are brought to
the poultry yard and everything connected with the rearing of poultry is explained to them.

They are brought then to the farmyard, where the management of calves and young stock is
exemplified to them, and then, when the work of that rougher character has been completed, they
are brought into a large schoolroom, and they stay there for four or five hours in the day and turn
out the most admirable specimens of lace, crochet and embroidery ; they are even making carpets
which can enter into keen competition with the best carpets produced in Donegal. I hope I shall
not get credit for advertising them here. I mention that to show what can be done in rural
districts, in the first place to give a solid instruction suitable in every way to their locality and
circumstances to our country girls, and in the second place I introduce it for the purpose of show-
ing the Board the initiative which I myself have shown, and which proved such a success under
the fostering care of the Department.”

56. This and similar schools are financed by the Department to the extent system adopted,
that the Department pays the teachers and provides the equipment, and Campbell, ueo
puts up, or adapts, any necessary or available buildings. A small sum is also
usually paid to the convent for necessary administrative expenses.

The Department makes it a principle that as far as possible the girl who
comes from poor districts such as those in the neighbourhood of Westport or
Loughglynn should be taught with a view to her returning to her own home,
and there making the best use of the only means and implements which will
-be available to her. The use of the dash churn, which is the common churn
of the neighbourhood, is taught, as well as that of the more costly barrel
churn, and instead of the range, the girl has to learn the resources which are
available for baking and other culinary operations in the iron pot
with a lid on which the live turf is placed and in the turf fire on an open

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1454

1471-2.

Bean-an-Tighe
Classes.
Paragraph 200.

Itinerant

Instruction.

Report of Recess
Committee.

County

Committees.

Composition of
County Com-
mittees.
Appendix LXI1

hearth. The same principle leads to the discouragement of residential pupils.
Speaking of the daughters of small farmers, Professor Campbell says : —

“ You take such a girl to the Munster Institute ; we get girls there who were never up or down
a stairs ; it is not good to keep that girl for six weeks or more and send her back to a small
cottage, and expect she is going to live there j it is much better to educate her while she is living
at home and coming to the school daily.”

At one of the convents we visited we were besought to induce the
Department to allow the “ two 1 r’s,’ residence and ranges.” We are,
however, inclined to think that under the circumstances the Department is
right.

Professor Campbell is strongly in favour of an extension of this kind of
education.

“ All we want is more staff. There are applications in my office from several convents who
are anxious to discuss this with us, and offer pretty fair facilities for doing the work, but it is
impossible for me to get to see them and organise them, and a lot of organisation has to be
done ; we have to draw the plans of the buildings and get specifications and see that they are
erected and pay for them, and it takes an immense amount of detailed work, which is thrown upon
our inspectors ; sometimes we have to plan out their farms for them, and lay out their gardens for
them. We get at that work whenever we can get a minute, but I have got no systematic branch
for dealing with it, and can only do it in my spare time. I should like to give my whole attention
to this for a few years ; that is the sort of school we are aiming at.”

57. The Department has also organised what are called Bean-an-Tighe
(woman of the house) classes in domestic economy. These classes are further
referred to under the head of Technical Instruction.

(b). JOINT ACTION OF CENTRAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

58. Although in endeavouring to give an account of the system of agricul-
tural education established and carried on by the Department, it has been
convenient to postpone the consideration of the system of itinerant instruction
until the other agencies at present at work had been dealt with, in order
of time itinerant instruction comes first. In Ireland, as in other countries,,
this method of teaching must always hold an important place in the system
of agricultural education. In Ireland especially, the circumstances of the
agricultural classes are such that improved methods and systematic know-
ledge must be brought within their reach, and as far as possible to their own
doors.

59. Hitherto we have been dealing with that part of the arrangements
for agricultural education which has been established, financed, and carried on
solely by the agency of the central authority, that is, the Department and
the Agricultural Board. We come now to deal with that portion oP the
system created by the Act of 1899, which invites the co-operation of the
local authority — the county councils — created by the Local Government
(Ireland) Act, 1898, with the central authority.

The Act of 1899 provides (Sec. 14) : —

“(1.) The council of any county or of any urban district may appoint a committee for the
purposes of this part of this Act, consisting partly of members of their own body and partly of'
other persons.

“ (2.) Any two or more public bodies may, subject to regulations of the Department, appoint
a joint committee for the purposes of this part of this Act, with such representation thereon of
each public body as, subject to the provisions of this Act, may be agreed upon or, in case of
dispute, determined by the Department.”

Every one of the councils of the thirty-three administrative counties has
exercised the power given by the above section of appointing a committee for
the purposes of the first part of the Act. Twenty-one counties have appointed
separate committees of agriculture, and the remaining twelve have appointed
the same committee both for agriculture and technical instruction.

The action of the urban councils will be explained in that part of the
Ileport which deals with technical instruction.

60. The power given by the Act of appointing on the committees persons
other than members of the county council has been very liberally exercised.
It will be seen from the table set out in the Appendix that a very large propor-
tion of the committees usually consists of persons who are not members of the
county council. As in the majority of cases the whole of the members
of the county council are also on the committee, these bodies are often very
large. In the case of county Longford, for instance, the county council

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•consists of 24 members, 22 of whom are on the committee of agriculture, and
there are 51 outsiders appointed, raising the number of the committee to 73.

In the county of Cork the county council numbers 51 members. All of them
are members of the committee, and there are 32 outsiders, making the number
•of the committee 83. The figures as to the rest of the committees of agr-
culture will be found in the table in the Appendix.

Some criticism has been made upon the unwieldy character of some of
these committees.* It must, however, be remembered that in many cases the
committees have to deal with counties of very wide extent, and often much
intersected by mountains and rivers, so that it is important to have local
representation of places not easily accessible. A further consideration is
that clergymen can become members only by nomination, and it is unnecessary
to say that they form a most important element upon the committees.

61. Under the present organisation, it is these committees which are at Rating Powers. ' :
present mainly charged with the powers and the duties of administering the

Act for the purposes of agriculture generally, including itinerant instruction.

In this connection the important provisions of Section 19 (1) (2) (4) and of
16 (6) of the Act of 1899 must be borne in mind. They are as follows : —

“ 19. — (1.) The council of every county (other than a county borough) may, in addition to
any existing power, raise equally over the whole of the rural districts comprised in the county, by
means of the poor-rate, a sum not exceeding, in any one local financial year, a sum equal to a rate
of one penny in the pound on the rateable value of such rural districts at the beginning of that
year, and may apply the same for the purposes of agriculture and other rural industries, or for any
•other purpose for which they are authorised by or in pursuance of this Act to expend money.”

“ 19. — (2.) Notwithstanding anything in the Technical Instruction Acts, 1889 and 1891,
the rate raised for the purposes of those Acts in a rural district may, if the county council think
fit, be applied under this section for any of the purposes of agriculture and other rural industries
not included in the said Acts.”

“19. — (4.) No money shall be applied under this section save (a) in accordance with the
provisions of a scheme approved by the Department ; or (6) for defraying any administrative or
incidental expenses incurred, with the approval of the Department, for the purposes of this Act.”

“ 16. — (6.) The Department shall not, in the absence of special considerations, apply or approve
of the application of money under this section (other than the capital sums in this section mentioned)
to schemes in respect of which aid is not given out of money provided by local authorities or from
other local sources.”

The “existing power” referred to in Section 19 (1) is contained in the
Technical Instruction Acts, 1889 and 1891, which enable a Local Authority to
raise a rate for technical or manual instruction not exceeding one penny in
the £.

62. No part of the rates raised under the powers above quoted is applied to Itinerant
the salary of the itinerant instructor, although the appointment of the itinerant instructors,
instructor rests with the local authority, subject to the approval of the Depart-
ment. The local authority also has power of dismissal. As the instructor is
appointed under an annual scheme, his term of office terminates with the
scheme, but he may, of course, be re-appointed. The relations thus created
between the Department and the local authority are of a somewhat delicate
character, and it is our duty to endeavour to ascertain how the system has

worked in practice. For this purpose we must go back to the period im-
mediately preceding the establishment of the Department and trace the develop-
ment of the system.

Two difficulties encountered the Department at the outset. The first of
these was to find a sufficient number of men and women competent to act as
instructors. The second was to obtain the co-operation of the local authorities,
and to arouse sufficient interest in the people for whom the instruction was
intended to justify the efforts and the expenditure which would be necessary.

63. The first step taken by the Department was to send about the country Pioneer Lectures,
pioneer lecturers appointed and paid by the Department itself. A striking

instance of the value of lectures of this character came prominently before us.

Professor Mason, of the Royal Veterinary College of Ireland, though not on
the permanent staff of the Department, has been employed by it to lecture 13310
on veterinary subjects in certain parts of Ireland for the last five years, and

* Best, 9416—20; M ‘Donald, 4978-82; M'Glynn, Monsignor, 7264-70; Meehan, Rev. J.,

7076-8; Casey, Rev. W., 5188-91; Carolan, 6661-4; Everard, 14681-5 ; Rushe, 10161-3;

Neary, 6940-50.

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122 $ a.

also as a teacher in the College of Science. On our tour through the West
and North of Ireland we found many persons who had had the opportunity of
hearing a lecture from Professor Mason, and whatever opinion these persons
might have of the merits of the action taken by the Department in other
respects, there seemed to be no difference of opinion as to the great value of
Professor Mason’s lectures. The only complaint was that there were too few
of them.* There can be no better test of the appreciation of Professor Mason’s-
work than the audiences which he was able to get together amongst the
mountains and bogs of the West-of Ireland. One of our number, Mr. Dryden,.
attended one of these lectures in the . neighbourhood of Sligo, and was much
impressed with the value of the instruction given, and the appreciation of the
subject by the small farmers who attended. The need for instruction of this-
character and some of the results of the lectures are thus graphically described
by Professor Mason :

“ When I commenced lecturing five years ago I found the people throughout the country, speak-
ing generally, with a few exceptions, in the most awful state of ignorance : I found they knew
practically nothing of the animals they were living by. There were a number of diseases-
causing terrific losses in different parts of the country, and the most foolish remedies and
preveritatives were used. I might give, as one instance, there is a disease recognised in a great
many parts of Ireland as worm in a cow’s tail. And up to the time I started I found the-
people operating in the most cruel manner on cow’s tails for a disease that never existed, and
I could only put that down by offering a ,£10 reward to any man who would give me a specimen
of the worm in a tail, - and I have not got the worm yet. I found diseases causing tremendous,
losses, and yet absolutely unsuspected. There was contagious abortion in cattle : T am not able
to estimate tb.e loss here, but, voughly speaking, I don’t see how the loss could be less than half a
million a. year. That may be an exaggeration or an under-statement, but I put it in this way.,
there were close on two -million milch-cows when I last read the records, or a million and a half.,
and if you had only one in forty of those affected — I am afraid it runs nearer one in ten — and
estimate the loss at £10 a cow, that gives you £500,000, and if I put it very low down there is
not less than a quarter of a million lost to the Irish farmer by that disease. In the last week 1
went over ground that I had travelled five years ago. I met farmers who thanked me for having;
pointed this out, and to the Department for the leaflets, and I believe the loss is tremendously
lessened by the work of the Department. Among other things, the Department caused me to
meet a number of instructors at the Cork Exhibition. 1 got them daily for some time and gave-
them thorough instruction as far as our scientific information went with regard to that disease.
Since then we have. advanced a little, and only this year fresh announcements have been made by
Professor Bang at Copenhagen. 1 tided to bring that home to the farmers. There are a number
of other diseases causing tremendous loss, red-water, black leg, and various diseases in sheep.

“12294. (Mr . Dryden).— Diseases of calves? — Yes; white scour, and joint evil, lung sickness, and
so on with a great many diseases. The farmers really had no knowledge of their animals ; they
had no knowledge of the proper way to deal with them ; they were very largely in the hands, too, of
unscrupulous people. Some of the diseases which were dietetic were due to the fact that the farmers
were persuaded to buy absolute rubbish in the way of feeding-stufis, and one of the things I have-
done, and the other instructors have done, with the authority of the Department of Agriculture, is,
we pointed out to the farmers the way they were robbed. One calf meal was sold at 28s. aewt., and
it was sold broadcast throughout the country. 1 met with a case yesterday in the Co. Tyrone
where a farmer was processed for the amount he owed for that very calf meal. The Department-
got it analysed, and 1 think I am overstating it when I say it was found to contain about 7s. worth
of feeding material ; the rest was either rubbish, useless, or, in my opinion, more likely to be-
absolutely injurious, That has been part of the work the Department has authorised me and the
other instructors to carry out.

“ 12295. (Chairman). — When you suspect that the feeding-stuff is of a bad quality you send it
to the Department for analysis 1 — Not I personally ; I go over the whole of Ireland. In Cork,
Mr. Carroll, the Secretary of the County Council, visits the various districts. About three weeks
ago he visited the various districts with me; while I was lecturing in the district he would go
round and collect samples that would be analysed, and whilst I was there a prosecution was
made.

“ 12296. Analysed on the spot? — No; sent up to the Department.

“12297. (Mr. Dryden). — What was the result of that ? — I believe the feeding-stuffs have very
fnuch improved, and I may also add that the Department of Agriculture carried on calves’ feeding
experiments, and after several years’ careful trial they found one calf meal that gave very '
inuck better results than any other, and I try to impress on the farmers that instead of buying
imported meal they should buy their own meal or try to get the local shopkeepers to make
it. I went, in Belfast, to some of the big merchants, and asked what they could do the Depart-
ment’s meal at, and they told me they could make a profit at 10s. 6 d. or 11s., and for that the
farmers get a meal which contains probably four times the feeding value of the 28s. stuff, with none
of the noxious admixtures,”

Professor Mason’s lectures have been something more than pioneer lectures
but, as was the intention of this class of lecture, they have paved the way
for the agricultural instructor in dealing with the question of diseases in
cattle and sheep, and therefore may be classed under this head. The

Cavan, Clifford, 9S84 ; Reeves, 13076-8; Galway, Burke, 6116; Hynes, 6200; Kilkenny,
Meehan, Rev. J., 7075; Mavo, Carolari, 6674 ; Sligo, Flanagan,
7136; Txpperary, Crowe, Rev. P., 5723 ; Wexford, Rice, 1U496.

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pioneer instructor was intended by the Department, to fill the gap until
the system of agricultural instruction was organised in connection with the
■county committees.

64. In the first year of the Department’s work public lectures were given in
the counties of Fermanagh. Kerry and Sligo, at centres selected by the
county committees in winter dairying, feeding and management of milch cows,
.and use of manures. The average attendances in these counties were
respectively 65, 40, and 65. These lectures were followed by courses given
in the counties of Donegal, Kildare, Cavan, Galway and Tyrone, on poultry
keeping and veterinary hygiene, In the next year it was found that the demand
-for qualified instructors so far exceeded the supply that it was necessary for the
Department to provide in a number of counties, free of cost, short courses of
Hectares cn the subjects above mentioned' and others of the same character,

“All the pioneer lectures were appreciated and well attended, and none more
.•so than those on veterinary hygiene.” To meet the demands for these lectures
.and forjudges at local shows and special inspectors, the Agricultural Board,, on
August 25, 1903, voted a sum of £4,500,

In 1902-3 about 450 lectures were delivered, the average attendance
Ibeing 120.

In 1903-4, notwithstanding the fact that, as will be shown presently, the
•county schemes were in operation and a large number of lectures were given
under them, the Department was constantly requisitioned for additional
pioneer lectures. During the year they arranged for 225 on veterinary
fiygiene, 76 on special agricultural subjects, 121 on horticulture, and 40 on
fax growing. At these lectures there was an average attendance of 134,
those on veterinary hygiene being specially popular.

In 1904-5, the further development of the county schemes reduced the
■demand for pioneer lectures, but, notwithstanding, 250 lectures were given in
veterinary hygiene, which continued to create “ great interest,” 35 in flax
cultivation, 57 in horticulture, 26 on bee-keeping, and 20 on agricultural
subjects.

65. We turn now to the joint action of the Department and the local
authorities represented by the statutory committees above described in regard
to itinerant instruction.

The late summer of 1900 may be taken as the period when the active
operations of the Department commenced. Immediately after Professor
■Campbells appointment as head of the Agricultural Branch of the Depart-
ment, his first duty and that of tho chief inspector of that Branch, was to
attend meetings of the county councils and committees, explaining the pro-
visions of the Act of 1899, and. discussing the best mode of putting these pro-
visions into operation. It is stated in the Report for 1900-1 that practically
all the county councils and urban councils or technical instruction committees
Rad been visited by the Department’s officers —some of them many times' — and
numerous personal conferences took place between the officials of the Depart-
ment in Dublin and representatives of local committees. The Depart-
ment adopted the view that arrangements of this nature were far better settled
by personal conference than by official correspondence. It is due to the Depart-
ment to say that the evidence given before us by the great majority of the
representatives of the local authorities throughout the counties showed that
the relations between the Department and the local authorities, with a very
few exceptions, and those chiefly of a temporary nature, have, throughout the
whole period during which the Act has been in force, been of a most cordial
and satisfactory character. The evidence appears to us not only to reflect
great credit on the administration of the Act both by the central and local
authorities, but also to show that all those concerned in the administration of
the Act of 1899 recognised that it afforded the most hopeful and powerful
means of working great improvements in the condition both of the different
localities and of the country at large. Whatever results may ultimately be
reached, we cannot but regard the evidence which has been laid before us,
proving the cordial co-operation of local bodies, comprising persons .of wide
differences in political opinions and in creed, with a central body, as fraught
with great promise for the future of Ireland.

Development of
System.

First Annual Report,
p. 37.

Second Annual Report,
p. 42.

Third Annual Report,
p. 24.

Fourth Annual Re-
port, p. 35.

Fifth Annual Report,,
p. 25.

Employment of
Instructors by
LocalAuthorities.

First Annual Report,

p. 18.

See Subject Index ;
County and Urban
District Committees.

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Rate for agri- 66. The first step taken by the county councils was that, in the first
cultural purposes, financial year, every local authority in Ireland resolved to raise a rater
for the purposes of the Act under the powers given to them.

Joint Fund. 67 . The proceeds of these rates, together with the Department’s contri-

bution in each case to schemes, under section 16 (6) of the Act, constitute
what will hereafter be called the “joint fund.” There is no definite pro-
portion fixed by the Act. The Department is precluded, “ in the absence
of special considerations,” from applying its endowment fund to schemes
“ in respect of which aid is not given out of money provided by local
authorities or from other sources.”

We are dealing in this part of the Keport with so much of the schemes,
only as relates to agricultural education. The provisions of the schemes,
other than, those relating to agricultural education, belong to a later portion
of our subject.

Appendix xxxiv. 68. The existing scheme of instruction in agriculture is set out in the
Appendix. The minutes of the Agricultural Board show that the practice
has. been in each year to lay before the Board, prior to the termination of the
County Schemes, agricultural year on September 30, the schemes of instruction for the ensuiucr
year, and to obtain the approval of the Board. Such modifications as
experience shows to be required, are from time to time made in these schemes.
Besides the general scheme for instruction in agriculture, there are also separate
schemes for poultry-keeping, horticulture, bee-keeping, and butter-making.
In .1905 the estimates for the expenditure on schemes and travelling expenses-
of instructors were as follows : — -

Agriculture. Poultry, Horticulture and Bee-keeping. Butter.

£ £ £ £
Salaries, . . . , 7,500 3,000 1,800 1,600-

Travelling Expenses, . . 2,000 2,000 1,200 600'

Appointment of 69. The leading feature of all the schemes is that the appointment
Instructors. 0 f the various instructors is in the hands of the local authority subject to the

Campbell, 1605. approval of the Department. The local authorities submit to the Department

the names of the persons who have applied, in response to advertisement or
otherwise. The Department examines the qualifications stated in the applica-
tions, or examines candidates whose record is insufficient, and transmits to the<
committee a list giving the names of the candidal.es to be regarded as qualified
for the post. From among these the committee makes the appointment. The
scheme fixes the maximum salary of the instructor, and his appointment is
terminable by three months' notice on either side. The salary is payable
by the Department. The duties of the agricultural instructor are to deliver
courses of lectures, to conduct experiments and demonstrations, to advise
farmers both by letter and verbally, to report to the Department and the
county committee, and generally to give his whole time to the work, and to
do all in his power to further the interests of agriculture in the county.
Mutatis mutandis, the duties of the instructors in horticulture, butter-
making, poultry, and bee-keeping are similarly defined. The various schemes
are set out in the Appendix.

It is the duty of the county committee to select the centres at which
the lectures will be given, and to appoint a local committee to make the
necessary arrangements. The lectures are to be held in rural centres, and
towns a,nd villages are to be avoided. The sanction of the Department must
be obtained before the scheme is put in force by any county committee.

70. The appointment and organisation of Local Committees is a most im-
portant feature in aiding the werking of the Act, and in the case of many
counties urgently requires further development. We call attention to the
practice in King’s county, stated in the Memorandum attached to the Keport,
where the system of Local Committees appears to be most fully developed.

Schemes sub- 71. The practice is for these schemes to be circulated every year to the

Authorities 0031 coun ty committees, who make suggestions which are considered and frequently
‘acted on by the Department. In reply to the criticism on the Department’s
action urged by some witnesses that the schemes are “ cast-iron ”■ and that

Local

Committees.
Page 14-8.

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they are forced upon the county committees by the Department,' Professor 0 ‘

Campbell points out that “ the first year’s schemes were drawn up after
a long period of initial conference with the county committees, and that
in every year since an opportunity has been given to the county committees
of expressing their views on the working of these schemes. These observa- Campbell, io28 .

. tions apply both to the educational schemes now under consideration and to
the live stock, horse-breeding, and other schemes, which will be dealt with
in the next part of this Report.

The four provinces of Ireland are each visited by one of the four
inspectors of the Agricultural Branch of the Department, who supervises
generally the administration of the county schemes in the province.

The list set out in the Appendix gives the present number of instructors Appendix xxxm.
acting in the various counties in Ireland. It will be seen that only two
counties are without instructors — Dublin and Donegal.

72. The case of Donegal is somewhat peculiar. In the early stages of the Difficulties in
operations of the Department no objection was made to the appoin tment of Donegal,
instructors who were natives of or residents in the counties in which they
worked. Experience, however, proved that this system was open to objection,
and in the scheme of' 1904-5 there appeared for the first time the following
proviso: — “In the case of new appointments no person shall be eligible for
an instructorship in the county of which he is a native, or in which lie resides
nermanently.” The reasons for the adoption of this rule are given by
Professor Campbell : —

“ In the first place, natives of the county are too well known to their neighbours to be 1629
effective teachers ; secondly, the whole success of the scheme depends upon having an officer who
is constantly moving about, and visiting farmers as well as giving lectures m the evening ; in
some cases where the instructor had his or her home in the county there was a tendency to
remain at home all day and merely act as lecturer and do no itinerant work. Ihe tact that the
salary under this scheme covers the cost of maintenance has, of course, a strong tendency to
induce an instructor who is a native of the county to be always at his or her home. .Naturally
there is no expense there, but by far the greatest objection to the employment of instructors m
their own counties is the fact that these officers have a considerable amount of patronage to-
bestow. Under the agricultural scheme the officer has often to select the person on whose farm,
the demonstrations and experiments are to be carried out, and as there are considerable sums
spent on seeds and manures, it is a consideration to a small occupier to get this draft out ot public
funds. Under the poultry scheme premiums of £5 are given to persons, usually selected by the
instructor, who distribute" eggs from a flock of birds who have to be approved of by the instructor,
and under the horticultural scheme there are demonstration plots for which trees and seeds are
supplied out of public funds. That an instructor should exercise this patronage without being
subjected to undue pressure from his friends, relatives, and supporters who desire these premiums,
manures, seeds and prizes is more than could be expected. Accordingly the Department made it
a rule that these instructors should not be natives of, or resident in, the counties m which they,
work. ”

The Department appears to have acted on the rule before it was actually
embodied in the scheme for 1904-5, and in the spring of 1904 declined to-
approve of the appointment of an instructress submitted by the Donegal
county committee on this ground. The Donegal committee apparently were
not aware of the existence of the rule or practice of the Department, and
much resented the action taken. They went so far as to decline to appoint
any instructors at all, and the county is still without instructors under the
schemes in agriculture, poultry-keeping, butter-making, and horticulture.

The county has, however, adopted other schemes, which are said to be
working well. It must be remembered that the rule in question has been
accepted in every other county in Ireland, with, perhaps, the exception of
Limerick— that it had been passed by the Agricultural Board — that all the i64o._

Irish counties have opportunities every year of suggesting alterations in the

* Armagh ; Huston, 8457-8; Donegal, M ‘Glynn, Monsignor, 7185 ; Doherty, Rev. J.,

7296-302, 7309 ; Dou:n, Robb, 9140-8; Dublin, Mooney, 11670-6 ; Galway, Daly, 6158—74 r
M ‘Donnell, 6297; Glynn, 5947-53 ; Fogarty, 6044-54, 6069-130 A; Burke, 6088; Redington,

6290- Kilkenny, Btatler, 11358 ; Brennan, 11337 ; Leitrim, Keane, 6832 ■, Limerick, Vaughan,

'5703 • Lee Rev. T.. 5398-435; Hallinan. Monsignor (App. LVI.); Casey, Rev. W., 5153,

5157-8; Mayo, -Cardan, 6658 ; Higgins, 6486-91 ; Monaghan, M'Kenna, Rev. E., 9683-96 ;
i.Toal, 10059; Daly (App. L1X.) ; Sligo, Creighton, 6963-72; Flanagan, 7 1 24—5, 7132-3;

Tipperary, O’Ryan, 14321 ; Wicklow , Cogan, 11792.

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1639.

Mousgr. M'Glynn,
7219.

Campbell, 1630,

Growth of
Itinerant
Instruction.

Appendix,

Nos. ill. VII.

"Paia^rapli G9,

■ Campbell, 1615,

1616.

Relations of
Primary and
Agricultural
Education.

Paragraphs, 167 el seq.

Paragraphs 1, 2.

hlC9

Ileces3 Committee's
Report, p. 8.

rule, or of raising the question in the Council of Agriculture, or of refusing
the scheme when it is submitted to them. We are told that the rule, in fact,
meets with the general approval of the county authorities, and, so far as the
question has arisen, this appears to have been the general result of the evidence
before us. On the other hand, it is stated that a circular having been issued
by the Donegal county council on August 8, 1904, inviting the opinions of all
the counties m Ireland on the point, eleven counties supported the view taken
by county Donegal. It may be that in time, when there is a larger supply
of instructors, the rule, may with advantage be modified, so as to treat,
separately, distinct districts of a large and mountainous county like Donegal.
In the meantime, we cannot say that the practice of the Department is
unreasonable, though it is to be regretted that the committee seem not to
Have, been aware of the view taken by the Department before makino- the
appointment above referred to. We think the refusal of the county committee
to appoint instructors, under the circumstances, is to be regretted.

73. 1 ables are given in the Appendix showing year by year the increase in
the number of counties employing instructors in agriculture, poultry, bee-
keeping, and butter-making. The increase, we are told, would have ’been
nm ufiT- e rapid if ifc had not been for the difficulty of obtaining properly
qualified instructors. Many county committees appear to spare no pains in
endeavouring to get the best men available for these important posts, and if
iffiey cannot find them in Ireland, they advertise in England and Scotland,
ihe Department has, it seems, been much criticised for havino- imported
instructors from. England and Scotland. The figures, however, given us
show that there is no foundation for this criticism. It will be remembered
tnat the Department tests the qualification of applicants for these posts.

1 he local authority selects from amongst the persons found qualified and the
Department approves. It appears that up to June, 1906, twenty-nine Irish
candidates for the post of agricultural instructor had presented themselves ;
of these twenty-eight had passed, and all of them .obtained appointments.
Sixty persons had applied from England and Scotland ; of these, forty-five
were rejected by the Department, leaving fifteen eligible for appointments.
Of these fifteen, six only were appointed to posts by the county committees.
Of the whole body of instructors, numbering 102, 96 are Irish, and have
almost all been trained by the Department. The Department, in fact, uses
its influence to induce county committees to wait for trained Irishmen
rather than import instructors, and, indeed, it is in the interests of the
training schools that Irish applicants should be appointed in preference to
persons trained elsewhere. The criticism above referred to, therefore, appears
to have no foundation in fact.

74. It is important, in dealing both with the system of itinerant instruction
and the training carried on at local centres, to consider the relation of the work
of the Department with primary education under the National Commissioners.

It does, not fall within our province to discuss the methods or results of primary
education in Ireland, except so far as concerns the relation between primary
and agricultural education. This question is of still greater importance in
relation to technical education, and will be fully discussed in that part of
the Report which deals with this branch of our Reference.

It will be remembered that previous to the Act of 1899 the National Com-
missioners were the only body charged in any way with agricultural
education. It was this body which administered the Albert and the Munster
Institutions.

Formerly, as has been already pointed out, teachers were trained in
the model farm at Glasnevin for the purpose of qualifying to give a course
of practical instruction in agricultural schools. This plan is stated to have
been adopted with positive enthusiasm, and was approved of by the Devon
Commission in 1843, who recommended the establishment of special agricul-
tural schools. A further step was taken by the appointment in 1848 of
itinerant instructors by the Lord Lieutenant for the purpose of giving advice
and assistance to farmers. Twenty model farms were established in various
parts of the country by the National Board, and poor law guardians were
aided to encourage agricultural instruction in the workhouses.

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■ 75. These model farms, however, appear not to have succeeded, and the
Government did not favour the scheme. Sir Patrick Keenan, in a letter
already referred to. says of the whole system, “ It had been proscribed
by Chief Secretary after Chief Secretary, and had at all times to encounter
the fiercest hostility of the Treasury.” Whatever the cause the system
failed.

The following is the summary of its history given by the present Resident
Commissioner of the National Board, Dr. Starkie : —

• “We have had agricultural model schools under the Commissionex's’ control, agricultural
schools under local control, agricultural classes, school farms, and school gardens ever since 1837.
This system of teaching agriculture, I believe, was recommended by the Devon Commission, and
a very great deal of money was spent by the National Board upon it, but the results achieved
were extremely small, and the Treasury set their face against such expenditure ; in fact, killed it.
They insisted from 1860 down that all these places should be suppressed, and in the end, in 1900,
nothing was left except school farms and school gardens. The school farms were a complete
failure. I was very glad, indeed, that they were suppressed. They were sometimes up to 70
acres, and the children were taken out on certain days to dig and plant; and our experience was
that they learned to work extremely little. They learned to work mechanically without grasping
any of the principles of agriculture or any of the sciences underlying it. The same thing might be
said, but to a less degree, about the school gardens. Indeed they might be said to have been fairly
successful. The children were taken out of school into these very small plots and taught to plant
flowers and work of that kind, but all the same they were as a rule quite ignorant of the reasons
for anything they did, any of the sciences underlying it, and the consequence was that in 1898,
the Commission on Manual and Technical Instruction condemned the whole system.”

Dr. Starkie goes on to quote from the revised programme of 1903 to
explain the present system of instruction of this character in primary
schools : —

“ ‘ The programme provides alternative courses in object lesssons and elementary science, but
in most of the rural National schools it would be desirable that courses embracing the principles of
horticulture and agriculture should be adopted.’ On page 22 the Commisssioners think it necessary
to l'emark that by the courses in elementary science they do not wish to train electricians, agricul-
turists, <Sic. ; but they wish to give all pupils useful instruction and the possible future electrician
or agriculturist such a knowledge of the great natural principles underlying his profession as will
enable him to pursue it with success in after life. The great end teachers should endeavour to
sec.ure in connection with elementary science is to produce the scientific habit of research, and to
impress the leading scientific principles upon the nascent intelligence by observation and simple
experiment on the part of the pupils, and by plain expository and practical illustration on the
part of the teacher. As a help to instruction in Course II., every school should, whenever
possible, have a small plot of ground as a garden. If this is not feasible, garden boxes should be-
placed in the windows, and be planted with the simpler flowers, which could be used for illus-
trating the lessons. The gardens and boxes would, moreover, make the schools more cheerful and
attractive to the children, and would aid largely in the development of artistic taste and a love
of Nature.” In the present programme we have gone a good deal further. We have actually a
oourse in the principles underlying agriculture, plant life ; it is a course for object lessons and also
in connection with elementary science. We say that in rural schools a certain time should be
given every week to observing the phenomena of the weather and facts connected with plant
life; I don’t think iu National Schools we can go further than that; a National School
is not a place to teach agriculture.”

76. Later in his evidence, in answer to questions as to the desirability of
establishing school gardens and a system of teaching in connection with these
gardens, Dr. Starkie, while expressing a favourable opinion on such a plan,
strongly deprecates it on the lines of the system which was abolished in 1900,
when the instruction was given by the teacher, “ who has so much other
work to do.” He would approve of such instruction being given, by the
instructor of the county committee without cost to the National Board. He
is sure that the Board would accept such a proposal “ with avidity.”

It will be seen from the above quotations from Dr. Starkie’s evidence,,
that the question which at the present time is most pressing for a solution is-
whether or not it is desirable that the Department should take steps in
connection and by arrangement with the National Board to establish school
gardens, under the supervision of the county horticultural instructor. The
question of establishing farms in connection with schools has few advo-
cates. One important witness, Mr. H. Doran, the chief agricultural officer
of the Congested Districts Board, advocated this system in the congested
districts. We reserve our observations on this till we come to deal specially
with the congested districts.

On the other hand, numerous witnesses strongly advocate the establish-
ment of school gardens on the lines above indicated, and it is clear that many

Model Farms.

Paragraph 1.

3871.

School Gardens.

3939-.

3945.

Paragraph 131.

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1671.

2072.

2073.

14374.

14428.

.15204.

county authorities are anxious that this step should be taken.* Professor
Campbell, while cordially approving of school gardens in what might be
called nature study in elementary schools, deprecates any attempt to teach boys
of 12 or 13 technical horticulture, when, he says, “you do, that, it degenerates
into simple reading of a text-book on the subject, and is not really effective.”

At the Albert Institution, Glasnevin, there are a number of school
gardens laid out and cultivated as models with a view to training students,
“ so that when these men become teachers under the county schemes, they
may be able, to give instruction in school gardens in connection with such
schools as we are allowed, to enter.”

The men who qualified at the Albert Institution at Glasnevin, according
to the evidence of Mr. Moore, Keeper of the Botanical Gardens at Dublin,
now. under the Department, are all, with two exceptions, employed either
by the Department or as county instructors. Of every one of those in employ-
ment he states “ we have heard a good account.” According to the latest
returns there are twenty-three counties in Ireland which have the services of
horticultural instructors. Mr. Moore, however, states with regret that
recently the number of candidates applying for instruction at the Albert
Institution appears to be falling off.

It seems probable that some difficulty may arise as to the multiplicity of
the duties cast upon the horticultural instructor, and the large areas which
he has to serve. If the system of school gardens is developed Professor
Campbell has. grave doubts whether the county instructor can possibly,
consistently with his other duties, supervise them. His primary duty is to
give instruction, to advise and assist farmers at their own homes and gardens,
and the supervision of experimental plots and gardens. How the whole
system can best be organised, how the services of an adequate number of
sufficiently trained men can be retained, is one of the problems which cannot
be said to be solved as yet. In this connection it should be mentioned that
instruction in be6-keeping has lately been added, in many cases, to the duties
of the horticultural instructor, and that most of these instructors are now
qualified to give instruction in that subject.

77. The functions of the instructors are not wholly educational. Indeed, it
is difficult to draw any very distinct line between their educational functions
and their employment in giving assistance to agriculture other than by
educational methods. We mention briefly some of their duties which
appear to be of a sufficiently educational character to be appropriately
dealt with in this part, and we shall refer to certain other functions which
they discharge under the next head.

Demrastratio^* 1 ^ ne the functions of the agricultural instructor under the schemes is
ons ra ions. C( con( j uc ^ such experiments and demonstrations as may be approved by the
Department, and to select suitable land for the purpose?’ The horticultural
Cam boil 1474 instructor has similar duties.

There is a difference between the demonstrations and the experiments
conducted by the agricultural instructor. In the former case the system is
to arrange with a farmer to cultivate for him a single plot of land.

“ You go to the farmer and say “ Give me half that field and I will manure it for you or sow
it with a certain kind of seed for you, and the whole country shall see the results.’ They stick up a
placard, ‘ This field is manured by so and so.’ There is no special attempt made to estimate the
produce at all ; the farmer sees a plot and he says, ‘ This was treated with basic slag.’ He sees
the part beside it ‘ that was not,’ and in the same way, : This is the latest variety of oats,’ and so
on. And he sees for himself whether this is a good variety of oats or not, and if it is wood he
probably will invest his money in it another year, and if it is bad, he sees the result.”

^Other functions
of Instructors.

Thus the farmer accepts and uses at his own risk for these plots the seeds
and manures supplied by the Department. There seems to be no difficulty
in making this arrangement with as many farmers as are wanted. No
compensation is paid in the case of failure. The object aimed at is purely
educational, and the farmer is quite willing to take the risk. No precise records
of the results of the demonstration are made. The object is by a simple

* Burry, Rev. R., 11602-14; Bolger, 10570-9 ; Boyle, 10663, 10670-7; Burke, 6120;
Cogan, 11876; Doyle, Canon, 11133-9; Elphin, Bishop of, 3499 ; Emly, 5247-53- Keller,
Monsgr., 4633-6; Malone, 15459-62 ; M'Donald, 4923-6; Meehan, Rev. J., 7084; Monteagle,
5586-7 ; Murphy, 8543; O’Kelly, 14286 ; Roberts, 4496-502.

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and inexpensive method to give the farmer practical experience of the results
of special kinds of seeds and special modes of manuring the land, and to
encourage interest in the neighbourhood. Experiments, on the other hand,
which are conducted by the agricultural instructor are more costly. They are
conducted in accordance with the, memorandum set out in the Appendix
at the cost of the Department. The nature of these experiments, the
method employed, and the high claim made, for the great utility of the
results attained, are best expressed in Professor’s Campbell’s' own words : —

“ Now, with regard to these field experiments, I explained that the county instructor conducts
them on behalf of the Department and collects the results, and they are all compared and published
from this office. The plan of these experiments is set out in the printed memorandum, which I
will submit as evidence. A very great deal of time and money have been spent on -similar experi-
ments in other countries, where several local authorities or agricultural institutions are engaged in
such work, and where each devised and carried out its own set of experiments without any attempt
at co-ordination. The result has been the compilation of an enormous mass of figures, from which
no general results can be drawn owing to the want of uniformity in the plan of experiments.
When taking up similar work in Ireland I determined to guard against a like result. Accordingly
the schemes devised in 1901 have been repeated unchanged year by year in a constantly increasing-
number of counties, and we are now able to place before the farmers of Ireland a series of figures
in which I may be pai-doned if I feel some pride. These experiments are of a simple nature
intended to teach in the most emphatic manner some of the most elementary, yet badly understood,
principles of manures and manuring. Their results have been in each year embodied in leaflets
which have been distributed over the country, and they have also formed the subjects of a series
of lectures by the itinerant agricultural instructors. I am firmly convinced that the improvement
that has taken place in the use and purchase of manures, in recent years, alone justifies every penny
that has been spent on county agricultural instruction. I shall not attempt to explain the
principles on which these experiments are based, or the results which have been arrived at. It
would require a series of lectures to do justice to the subject. Suffice it to say, that the results
are most conclusive, and will form a standard of reference for many years to come. I may say
that manure manufacturers are now making up their blends in accordance with the results of these
experiments. It is not claimed that they cover the whole ground, but what has been attempted
has been done thoroughly and completely. It is now intended to start another series which will
be earned out in the same manner, but which will have for its object the solution of a different set
of pi'oblems. The experiments already made cover the principal crops of the farm, viz., oats,
potatoes, mangels, turnips, and hay. I submit herewith the leaflets showing the results of the
experiments in 1905. You will remember I x-eferred to demonstrations before. The demonstx’ations
are cheap, easily done, and you want them in every locality. The experiments are costly, and we
do not attempt too many of them, 452 last year.”

Contrasting the method adopted in Ireland with that of England and
other countries, he says that in England : —

“ Yoxi could get experiments of the same character, but every institution and county authoi’ity
has its own set, and you cannot bi-ing them all together and boil them down to one issue ; it shows
the advantage of a central authority, keeping in touch with their work, and illustrates the
difference between the system we adopt in Ireland and the system adopted in England and Scotland.
There each local authority gets its grant and goes its own way.”

78. The practice of distributing information and advice on agricultural
matters by means of leaflets has attained very large proportions. Last year
(1905-6) there were about 1,600,000 distributed. The Department has a
:£ mailing list” of persons in all parts of Ireland, and receives about 30 appli-
cations a day. We had much evidence before us indicating the usefulness
and appreciation of this method of agricultural instruction.

79. One of the principal functions of the itinerant instructors is to advise
farmers and their families on agricultural questions. They are very freely
resorted to. In 1905-6 there were no less than 25,000 inquiries addressed
to the instructors in writing on these matters. It is, moreover, the constant
practice of the farmer to ask orally for advice. With a larger supply of
qualified teachers this advising work might be greatly increased.

80. So far as the educational aspect of the question is concerned, what has
been said as to itinerent. instruction in agriculture and horticulture applies
generally to itinerant instruction in butter-making, poultry-keeping, and bee-
keeping. Instruction in butter-making and poultry-keeping is carried on
almost entirely by instructresses who have been trained at the Munster
Institute. The production of butter in Ireland is either by dairying carried
on at the farmer’s house, or in creameries. The latter will be discussed in
the following head of this Report. It is with the home dairying that the
teacher has to deal.

The work of organising instruction in this matter has now been entirely
delegated to county committees. The practice is to form classes for practical

Appendix XXXV.

1345.

1849.

Leaflets.

Adams, 2992 -4.

1478.

Advice.

1482.

Home Dairying.

1550.

1499.

Paragraph 108.
1551.

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Appendix XXXIII-
Appendix VI.

Poultry-keeping.
Appendix V.

Campbell, 1499.

Bee-keeping.

Appendix XXXIII.

General Observa-
tions.

1472-4.

15812-26.

15866-81.

butter-making, consisting of twelve girls each. The county committee
furnish a sufficient equipment for this number. Each class is instructed for
a period of from two to four weeks. There are now twenty-four counties in
Ireland which have adopted this method of dairying instruction.

The table set out below gives an idea of the rate at which the
system of instruction in home butter-making has progressed : —

In 1900-1 one teacher was appointed by 1 county.

1901-2

„ 4 counties.

1902-3

„ 11

1903-4 „

„ 18

1904-5

„ 22

1905-6

v 24

81. With regard to instruction in poultry-keeping the numbers of teachers
appointed by the county authority in the same years were 4, 12, 22, 32.
30, 30.

“ The duty of the instructor in poultry-keeping, who is usually a lady — it having been found
impossible to get young men in Ireland to give attention to this industry — comprises the following : —
To deliver courses of lectures on poultry-keeping, including the selection of breeds, the hatching
and rearing of chickens, the feeding and housing of poultry, and the marketing of the produce ; to
give demonstrations and lessons on the treatment of common diseases, such as gapes, <fcc., on the
cramming of fowls, and on the plucking, trussing, and preparation of poultry for market, and on
the grading and packing of eggs ; to visit poultry runs, and give such practical advice as may be
desired by poultry-keepers, to inspect the egg distribution and turkey stations referred to in clauses
11 and 13, to report to the Department and to the county committee regarding the progress ol
his or her work either weekly or otherwise as may be required, and generally to give his or her
whole time towards promoting improvement in poultry-keeping in the county.”

It is stated that during the year 1904-5, 2,662 meetings were held, the
average attendance at each being sixty.

82. Instruction in bee-keeping is made part of the duty of the horticultural
instructor, but there are some counties, as will be seen from the list in the
Appendix, which have a separate instructor for this purpose.

83. We have now considered the working of the county schemes and the
joint action of the central and local authority in relation to itinerant instruc-
tion. We shall have to return to this subject when we come to consider the
assistance rendered to agriculture by the instructors under the county
schemes by methods other than those which can be classed as educational.

It must be borne in mind that the various instructors are not only the
servants of the committees for purposes of giving instruction in agriculture
and other subjects, but are also “ the eyes and ears of the Department”
throughout the country, that it is part of their duty to keep the Department
informed on the condition of agriculture in their districts and of any special
requirements.

The principal objections which have been made in evidence to the system
of itinerant instruction are that, in some cases, it is not sufficiently practical ;
that the lecturer often talks over the heads of his audience, and that
theoretical teaching is far less useful than practical demonstration, especially
when it takes the form of showing how an existing farm can be worked to
profit.* In regard to these and similar criticisms, it is obvious that all
itinerant lecturers cannot be equally well fitted to give instruction orally.
It is manifest from the account above given that the Department has done
what lies in its power to make the teaching of the instructors of as practical
a character as possible. Professor Campbell’s observations in this connection,
referred to in the margin, are worthy of attention. A further objection which
has been taken is that the agricultural and horticultural instructor has more
to do and a greater extent of ground to cover than is reasonably practicable,
especially in the wilder parts of Ireland, where the different parts of the
counties are separated by mountains, bogs, and rivers. This objection was
strongly urged by Mr. H. Doran, of the Congested Districts Board, who
would prefer to substitute for the system of itinerant instruction, a system
under which a successful farmer of intelligence in a district should, while

fvv * Breen > R ev. M. 5275 • M'Inerney, 5866 ; Keller, Monsgr., 4627; Bolger, 10580, 10589;
•D- I 74-nH 60 ' 72; Archdale - 8231-9; Hall, 8269-70; Mohan, 9706-16; Coughlan, 10967-9;

ftice, 10o02-5 ; Halpin, 12705 ; Daly (App. LIX.) ; Whelan (App. LVIIL).

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continuing the work of his farm, be employed as the local instructor. We
shall discuss this proposal hereafter. Very few witnesses have taken the
line that farmers cannot be taught by the instructors anything which
they do not know already. A far more general ground of complaint has
been that a sufficient number of qualified instructors cannot be obtained ; that
counties have had to wait unduly long for the kind of man they want, or have
had to put up with inferior men. The justice of this complaint is admitted by
the Department, which can only reply that it is making every effort to
supply the wants of the counties with instructors trained in Ireland ; that
it considers it of vital importance that the standard of qualification should
be kept high ; that it is turning out from the College of Science and
the Munster Institute every year an increasing number of trained instructors ;
and before we closed our sittings, Professor Campbell was able to say that
this year every county in Ireland, except the counties of Donegal and Dublin,
has been provided with a fully trained agricultural instructor.

2. Assistance to Agriculture otherwise than by Educational Methods.

84. When the Department was first established certain schemes were in
existence which had been adopted by the Royal Dublin Society for the im-
provement of breeds of horses and cattle at a cost of £5,000 per annum of
money paid out of the Local Taxation Account. Arrangements were made
with the Royal Dublin Society to transfer this sum to the Department, so
that all live stock schemes might for the future be under one authority. This
arrangement was subsequently confirmed by Parliament.

(a) COUNTY SCHEMES.

85. The first step taken by the Department was to appoint two Advisory
Committees — one for horse-breeding and one for cattle and swine. It was
thought best to follow as closely as possible the methods adopted by the
Royal Dublin Society which were already understood. In November, 1900, the
Agricultural Board, on consideration of a report from the Advisor}' Committee,
adopted a scheme for encouraging improvement in the breeds of cattle. It
provided that the sum to be spent by the Department on the purposes of the
scheme should depend on the amount raised locally ; that the joint fund con-
sisting of the money provided from rates and the grant from the Department
should, as far as possible, be administered by county committees. The money
was to be spent chiefly in providing premiums for selected bulls — £8 for Kerries
and Dexters, and of £12 for other selected breeds. Only bulls entered in
or eligible for entry in their respective Herd-Books were to be selected.
The first scheme provided only for premiums for yearling bulls ; but if a
sufficient number of yearling bulls were not forthcoming two-year-old bulls
might be chosen. The scheme contained provisions as to the number of
services, and for the amount of the service fee, which varied according to
valuation. The Department reserved the right to brand or mark the bulls,
and to inspect them from time to time.

The Agricultural Board voted a sum of £4,000 for the purposes of the
scheme in 1901. The scheme was adopted in that year by all the county
committees except two. Since the first year the scheme has been adopted
by every county in Ireland.

86. The practice has been for the live stock and other schemes to be
revised each year. Each county committee is asked for its suggestions on
the working of tiie scheme of the previous year. Their recommendations,
Professor Campbell tells us, are carefully considered by the Advisory Com-
mittee, and many of them have been adopted, and embodied from time to
time in schemes. We have heard in different parts of Ireland some
complaints of arbitrary treatment by the Department as regards these
schemes, and of inattention to local requirements*. We have not, however,
been able to elicit any substantial proof sufficient to justify a charge of this
nature against the Department. There have no doubt in individual cases been

'• Huston, 8457-8; M‘Glynn, Monsgr., 7185: Robb, 9140-8; Mooney, 11670-6; Fogarty, 6044-54, 6069-130A;
Burke, 6088 ; Butler, 11358; Keane, 6832 ; Vaughan, 5703 ; Carolan, 6658 ; Higgins, 6486-91 ; Toal, 10059; Daly
(App LIX.) ; Flanagan, 7124-5 ; O'Ryan, 14321; Daly, 6158-74; M'Donnell, 6297; Brennan, 11337.

P 2

Paragraph 131.

15180.

Royal Dublin
Society.

Agriculture and
Technical Instruction
(Ireland) No. 2, Act,
1902.

Advisory
Committees.
Campbell 1640.

1640.

Live Stock
Schemes.

Gill, 696.

Campbell, 1293, 1640.

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1640, 15077-82.
Appendix XLVI.

Working of the
Bull Scheme.

Campbell, 1711.
1660 a

1712.

1660 a.

1672.

1675.

1687.

1690-1700.

1701*

1772-1819.
Paragraphs 128, 129.

Appendix X.

Proposed restric-
tion on inferior
hulls.

differences of opinion, the more important of which are indicated in the course
of this Report, and in some, though in surprisingly few cases, there has been
a prejudice against methods introduced by the Department, but the evidence
appears to us to prove conclusively that the claim made by Professor Campbell
that the Department consults, and, as far as possible, meets, the wishes of
the various localities, is justified.

The live stock scheme of 1901 was modified in the manner above indicated
year by year. We print in the Appendix a copy of the model Scheme of 1906.
The principal changes in this scheme, as compared with that of 1901, were
that bulls were eligible for premiums up to the age of four years — that the
amount of premium was raised to £15, except that in the case of certain
classes of bulls adapted to special parts of the country, the premium was £10.
The number, of services, at a uniform fee of Is. each, was 30, in the case of
yearling premium bulls, and in the case of all others was to be 40.

87. The scheme is actually worked in the following manner : — The
county committee first determine the breeds for which they will offer
premiums and the number of premiums for bulls which are to be offered
in the county. These premiums of £15 each are paid to the owners
of the bulls which are selected as eligible for a premium. The practice is
for the inspector of the Department to attend the principal shows held in
the spring at Dublin, Belfast, and Londonderry. He inspects the bulls
offered for sale, and selects those which come up to the required standard. A
card or docket is put upon the stall of every selected bull. Sales in England
and Scotland are also attended. It is not practicable to carry out the card
system elsewhere than in Ireland, but the intending Irish purchasers who
attend these sales receive the advice and assistance of the Department’s
Inspector, and are informed of the animals which are considered fit for
premiums.

The county committees select the persons who are entitled to apply to
be allowed to purchase a premium bull. It was not at first seen by the
committees that the purchaser of the bull should not be one of the
poorest class of farmers. A poor farmer would not be able to feed or
keep in proper condition a high-class bull. This is now generally under-
stood and the persons selected as entitled to purchase a premium bull and get
the premium are generally fairly well to do. The Department also makes,
when required, a loan to the farmer to enable him to purchase the bull. The
average price for a premium bull appears to be about £40 or £45. The loan from
the Department is usually about two-thirds of the price, so that if a farmer bought
a bull for £45 he would pay £15, and receive from the Department a loan of
£30 which is repaid by two premiums of £15 each. This system is said to
work exceedingly well. Several witnesses criticised the method adopted on
the ground that the selection and notification of bulls for premiums in the
way above described increases their price.* This may, to some extent, be
true, but on the other hand the farmer would not buy the bull at all merely
on his own judgment, and in the uncertainty whether the bull would be en-
titled to a premium or not. On the whole the experience of the Department
and the general acceptance and approval of the scheme by the counties, with,
some exceptions, go far to justify the conclusion, that the system both as
regards the amount of premium and the method by which it is awarded has
worked satisfactorily.

A supplemental scheme is carried out by the Department in the
poorer districts in Ireland. This will be described and discussed under the
head of our Report which deals with the special methods adopted in
Congested Districts.

88. It will be seen from the table given in the Appendix that under the
system above described the county committees had placed in the various
districts 350 premium bulls in 1901 ; 424 premium bulls in 1902 ; 618
premium bulls in 1903 ; 734 premium, bulls in 1904 ; 795 premium bulls in
1905 ; and 829 premium bulls in 1906. Although these figures point to the

* Burke, 6107-13 ; Clifford, 9905-24; Cogan, 11 853-7 1; Collery, 7006-10 ; Corbett, 4339-45;
Hall, 8264-5 ; Higgins, 6515 ; Kennedy, 4019-20 ; Melvin, 6695 ; M ; Quai<l, 9596-606 :
O’Loghlm, 5476, 5486.

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successful working of the scheme, when it is remembered that it is estimated
that there are in Ireland about 17,000 bulls, many of them of a very inferior
type, and that there is still a very great deal of indiscriminate use of such
bulls, it is obvious that there is much to be done before it can be said that cattle
breeding in Ireland is on a thoroughly satisfactory footing.. The evidence
oiven before us shows that so strongly and widely is this opinion held, that it
fs not improbable that measures of greatly increased stringency may be
demanded by public opinion in the direction of restricting compulsorily the
use of bulls which are not licensed by the Department or some public authority.*

On the 16th May, 1906, the Council of Agriculture passed a strong resolution
to this effect. It has been felt hitherto that the time is hardly 'ripe, and the
condition of a large proportion of the agricultural population of Ireland hardly
sufficiently advanced to justify compulsory action of the nature desired. But
the fact that there should be a widespread feeling of the importance of dealing
with this question by further legislation, and the existence of local bodies all
over the country, through whom this feeling can find expression, appear to us
to be very material for the present purpose, which is to endeavour, not to
discuss or determine what particular action in reference to any special question
relating to agricultural development is or is not desirable, but to estimate the
merits of the constitution set up by the Act of 1899, and of the working of
the various authorities to whose care the development of Irish agriculture is
entrusted.

89. The principal breeds of cattle which come under the system above improvement in
described are the Shorthorn, the Aberdeen Angus, and the Hereford. The Store Cattle.
Shorthorn, it will be seen, very largely exceed in numbers all the other breeds Appendix x.
put together. There are other breeds specially adapted for the more moun-
tainous parts of the country. They will be referred to hereafter. The live Paragraph 129.
stock scheme as hitherto worked has been directed mainly to the improve- 1660.
ment of Irish store cattle, and not to the improvement of milking breeds,
though this latter object has not been lost sight of It .is claimed on behalf Campbell, me.
of the Department that the large sales of Irish cattle in England and Scot- Dickson, 9088 - 90 .
land show “ that there has been an immense improvement effected in the store s harman -crawford,
cattle in Ireland.” We have endeavoured to test this claim by reference to 9038-40.
some of the best known and largest dealers in England and Scotland, and we
print in the Appendix the answers we have received. These appear to bear Append ; x xxxii.
out the view that there has been a marked improvement of late years in the
quality of Irish stock in English and Scotch markets. How much of this can
be directly attributed to the action of the Department and how much to other
agencies such as the Royal Dublin Society and the Congested Districts Board
it is difficult to say ; but the evidence appears to us to show that there has
been unmistakable progress under the operations of the Department.

90. Professor Campbell is of opinon that the progress would have proceeded g clienie f or
at double the rate if the Irish farmer could be persuaded to keep his Milking Cattle,
best heifers for breeding purposes, “but he, unfortunately, will sell a good mG .
heifer.” The Department incurred some charge of unduly dictating to 1721 .
county committees by reason of its endeavours to check the exodus
of the best heifers by pressing the adoption of a prize system for heifers at
country shows, and m order to avoid friction with county committees gave vuughan, 5703.
up this line of action. On the other hand it has been severely criticised Lord Emiy, 5235.
in the county of Limerick and elsewhere, for not adopting at an early stage
measures to restrict the use of premium bulls to the better class of cows.

The Council of Agriculture, in November, 1905, passed a resolution in favour Minutes of Council of
of taking steps to improve the milking qualities of cattle, and after full ^" Cl ^" e 9 ’ 0 5 ° p 45
consideration of the question by the Advisory Committee a new scheme has Campbell, 1754.
been issued by which it is proposed to start a herd book of animals possessing Appendix xlviii.
good milking qualities. The scheme will be found in the Appendix.

In fact, one of the difficulties with which Irish agriculture has to contend Mr, Dryden, 1755.
is the different and to some extent conflicting interests of the milk-producing

* Carolan. 6665 ; Cogan, 11840-53 : Corbett, 4350-61 ; Darby, 13832-5 ; Higgins, 6521-7 ;

Huston, 8501-4 ; Meehan, Key. J., 7046 ; O’Connor, 4195-7 ; Poe, 11296 ; Beeves, 13102-5 ;

Roberts, 4511-6; Small, 10252-5 ; Egan, 11731-2.

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Coffey, 5029.

Restriction of
Scheme to pure-
bred bulls.

and beef-producing industries. The dairy farmer who looks to milk pro-
duction alone and does not rear Iris calves is, unfortunately, indifferent as to
the kind of bull he uses. The result is that in many parts of Ireland
the market is flooded with inferior calves. It is well known that it is
impossible at an early age to distinguish between a well-bred and an ill-bred
call these calves are distributed broadcast over the country, and the quality
both of the cows and bullocks tends to deteriorate in proportion to the
prevalence of the practice. Indeed, it seems an open question whether it
Campben, iS'6-1946. would not be more prudent and remunerative in the long run, under these
circumstances, not to rear such calves at all. This is exactly one of
the questions which are still m process of discussion and which have given
rise to the views embodied m the resolution of the Council of Agriculture
referred to in paragraph 88. B mtuic,

° f % criticisms to which the live stock schemes have been

insisfa^tbevf ^ iS, q a “ lstak f- at a11 eTents in many parts of Ireland, to.
ms st, as the schemes do, upon the award of premiums to pure-bred bulls only

«on works badl/in the poorest ct
that 1 • * ‘j f P arts ,. of , Irel ™ d “Iso many witnesses appear to consider

that, having regard to the limitations in the number of available bulls which
the premium system necessarily involves, it would be better to proceed by
some method of certificates or licensing! which would have the effect of
eliminating the inferior bulls and leaving available for service only those
which, though not necessarily pure-bred, would be greatly superior to" a very

Cattle"^ dm > d 6 n preSe , nt “ Coffey, representing the

f 1 ? 4 ii and Stock Owners Association, presented to us a detailed
P I ^ h . lch the ob J ecb 1S provide a supply of half-bred bulls, the offspring
me? o»1l d l lry ° 0W * °j- the dlstriot mated with a pure-bred bull. We do not
reel called upon to discuss the comparative merits of these views and that
adopted by the Department of Agriculture in the schemes which it recommends

be fet P d °n tt M °° aI S ? tt01 ' itieS - n S ° me ° b -rvations.on the subject wfl
M r Tvd “ . tfemora ” d .a m appended to this Report by our colleague,

ill' i ’■ , - b ? ls entltled to speak oil the question as an expert

us to VouM t ha? 8 ?! ‘° % IS A h m T 6 866 n ° reaS0 “ upon tbe evid ence before
J ‘ „“°7 the methods hitherto adopted by the Department have
been on the right lines, though this, like every other part of the scheme
lAneT?® be subject to such modifications as^xperience and en-
lightened public opinion, expressed through the medium of the local
authorities, prove to be desirable.

tte ta r le Printed “ the Appendix tbat the amount
expended on bull premiums rose from £4,089 in 1901 to £12,380 ill 1906.

be exDe'etod^m e i? reeding ” he -T has S! ven rise to mudl discussion, as might
different carte of the ° f ™T S and re q“toments prevailing in

wafllUo tod, / 00unt 7b , dhe “am object of the horse-breeding scheme
S dLree Of “ ,7™™ , B M Ion S to kee P sound and suitable sires of a
mares fir breedingpSposes’’ ' ^ “ dUCe hrmeTS to retain tbeir best y°™g
and J,l le earI , ieat sdlem . e w . as submitted in 1900 by the Advisory Committee
was se/ apart d the 6

the StS aTadable this scheme consisted, as in all other oases, off
authorities^ In^he^ ? Pph< f by tbe department and partly by the local
SSn.™ rl 16 ” for 1903 and subsequently, the joint fund is.

the nomination haTe been provided for > to be applied to

of maies and in prizes or premiums to county and local shows.

lions, and “ *•>* Mgisti^W of approved stal-

»*** Darby, 1382S-3I ; Dickson,

T See footnote to Paragraph 88.

Appendix Xi

Horse-breeding

Scheme.

Appendix XLV.

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An interesting discussion on the question how far the choice of breeds
suited to special districts should be left to the local authority, and to what
extent the Department should exercise its power of disapproving of the
proposals of the local authority, was referred to the Agricultural Board
in August, 1901. The Vice-President then laid down the principle that
in matters where the action of a particular locality as regards any of the
purposes of the Act might injuriously affect the country as a whole the
Department were bound by the responsibility imposed on them to exercise
supreme control.” Subject to this “ it was the intention of the Department to
allow the local authorities as much discretion as possible.” The occasion of
this discussion was a suggestion by an important member of the horse-breed-
ing Committee, Mr. Frederick Wrench, that “it should be left to the county
committees to select the class and breed of horses which they wished to be
subsidised from public funds.” The view of the expert committee on horse-
breeding was that the subsidising of certain breeds of horses, no matter in
what locality, would affect injuriously the horse-breeding industry of thecountry,
as a whole. The Vice-President contended that if this was so the discretion
could not be left to localities “without the central body abrogating their most
important function, maruely, that of securing that a national industry should
be dealt with from the point of view of the country at large, and not from
that of special localities.” The Board, after discussion, “unanimously ex-
pressed their approval of the principle of central control, and stated that
they would be unable to sanction any grants in aid of a live stock scheme
which did not provide for it.”

Acting on the principle thus early adopted, the Department and the
Board have, with the exception mentioned below, confined the registration of
stallions to certain classes. Thoroughbreds may be registered anywhere in
Ireland, Clydesdale and Shire stallions only in particular districts. The
reason for this restriction is stated by Professor Campbell. In reference to a
diagram which showed the development in the registration of sires, he said —

“ You will observe a stoppage in the increase of the agricultural horses ; that was owing to 1642 .
the action of our Advisory Committee, who pointed out that we were going to ruin the breed of
Irish hunters by introducing these heavy horses, and acting on the advice of the Advisory Com-
mittee, with the approval of the Agricultural Board, we put a restriction on the introduction of
these agricultural horses except in Ulster, near Dublin, whei-e heavy cart-horses are kept, County
Louth, a tillage country, and part of Cork. One of these agricultural horses costs about less than
half of one of those thoroughbreds. They were beginning to come in too fast, and I think that is
*n instance where our Advisory Committee has done great good to the country in stopping the
introduction of these animals.”

94. Before a stallion can be registered he is inspected for suitability and Details of
soundness. At first a large proportion of those offered were rejected, and a Sclieme -
good deal of disappointment was caused. In the result, however, there was a Ca-npbell > 1640,
large increase of suitable animals and a decrease of inferior animals offered for
registration. Constant applications from intending purchasers are made to
the Department to find or assist in finding a suitable sire ; and in order to
increase as much as possible the number of suitable sires, the Department
purchases sires on its own account, and also makes advances in subsidies to
approved applicants to assist them in purchasing stalliuiis and placing them in
•districts where registered stallions are not already available. The method
adopted is to advance two-thirds of the price to be paid with 2£ per cent,
interest, in five years. The horse remains in the control of the Department, as
mortgagees, for five years, but the farmer who owns the horse has the use of
him. This method has the advantage of keeping the animal in the country
■during the period in which he is most serviceable. Otherwise it might well
happen that the horse might be sold to some other country at a large profit.

It is a condition of the transaction that the loan cannot be repaid till the end
•of five years, and thus security is taken that the horse does not, till the end of
that period, go out of the country. There appear to have been 9 such loans
granted in 1903, 12 in 1904, 11 in 1905, and 8 in 1906.

The number of stallions of the breeds above referred to registered in each
3 T ear since 1901 is shown in the table in the Appendix, and has risen from Appendix vm,
128 in 1901 to 239 in 1906.

The administration of the part of the scheme which relates to the
selection of breeding mares is in the hands of the county committees.

The practice is for the county committees to hold exhibitions of young mares

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in the spring. The Department allots to each county a certain number of
“ nominations/’ and sends a judge and a veterinary surgeon to inspect the
mares put forward for nomination. They select a number of fit mares, and
the county committee issue to the owner of the selected mare a nomination
ticket. This ticket entitles, the owner to send the mare to any stallion on
the register without payment of any fee. The fees are paid by the county
committee out of the joint fund. In 1 906, 227 exhibitions were held, and 3,638
nomination tickets were issued. The sum actually expended for nominations

Appendix VIII. Was T 8,400.

The Irish
Draught Horse.
Paragraph 29.

Eaton, 7401-70.
Doran, 15750-8.
Huston, 8482-90.

15440-56.

95. It is not surprising that the restriction of the register to the breeds
above-mentioned has not been popular in certain parts of Ireland. We have
already seen that the Department has been subjected to severe criticism for not
taking sufficiently energetic steps to preserve or revive the type of horse known
as the old Irish draught horse. In other parts of the country complaints
are made of the exclusion of hackney and half-bred sires, and it is also com-
plained that too little is being done to preserve from extinction two types of
ponies formerly well known, the Connemara pony and Cushendall pony of
the glens of Antrim. The “ old Irish draught horse,” if not extinct, is, at all
events, very difficult to discover. The best description of the breed was
given by Mr. Malone, of Brookstown, Naas, the substance of which is
contained in Mr. Dryden’s memorandum.

Supplemental

Schemes.

Appendix IX.

Minutes of
Council of Agricul-
ture, Vol. I., Feb. 9,
1905, p. 36 ; Nov. 14,
1905, p. 41.

96. Resolutions in favour of taking steps to prevent the extinction of the
Irish draught horse were brought forward in the Council of Agriculture by
P. Hanlon (Carlow), on May 28th, 1903, and April 12th, 1904, and referred
to the advisory committee on horse-breeding. In 1905 the Department, with
the approval of the Board, issued a supplemental scheme of subsidies to Irish
draught, hunter, and half-bred sires. In announcing that it was pre-
pared to subsidise approved sires of the above types, as well as ponies suitable
for the poorer districts, a premium of £50 was offered for the service, by
approved stallions of these classes, of fifty mares belonging to farmers
whose valuation does not exceed £30. A resolution was passed by the
Council of Agriculture in February, 1905, approving of the encouragement
given by the Department to the breeding of the Irish draught horse, but ex-
pressing the opinion that further steps were needed. A further resolution to
the same effect was passed in the following November.

At the meeting of the Council on May 16,1906, an amendment to a proposed
resolution censuring the Department for not carrying into effect the previous
resolutions of the Council was, after explanations by Professor Campbell of
the action of the Department, and the reasons for it, and some discussion,
passed unanimously in the following terms

“ That the proposal to establish an improved breed of draught horses, such as this country
requires, by means of studs at the Department’s educational farms, is not the most practicable
course to adopt in order to secure the object desired.”

“ That in the opinion of this Council there is required for this purpose a separate and
special establishment where not only brood mares of the Irish draught type can be kept, but where
colts likely tc makegood sires, purchased throughout the country, may be reared until fit for
service ; and that a stud-book for that breed be established.”

Campbell, 15086.

15094.

11353

The policy embodied in these resolutions is an instance of a divergence of
opinion on an important question between the Council of Agriculture on the
one hand and the majority of the county committees, the advisory com-
mittee on horse-breeding, and the Agricultural Board on the other. The
Department and the Board, in view of the opinion expressed by the Council
of Agriculture, gave way, and in the autumn of last year a supplementary
scheme was made to meet the wishes of the Council of Agriculture. A
special stud-book for Irish draught horses has been opened and already five
stallions have been accepted for registration as typical of this class. Further
observations on this subject will be found in Mr. Dryden’s Memorandum.

Mr. Hanlon, member of the Council of Agriculture, representing the
county of Carlow, who had brought forward the resolution above referred to,
told us —

I was very anxious about the revival and preservation of the old Irish horse. I brought
tor ward resolutions several times, but it was a long time before I could persuade the Department
to take it up, but now I think they have done nearly all that could be expected.”

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97. Another scheme is that far the improvement of the breed of pigs. At
first in April, 1901, a single scheme relating to both sheep and swine was
.approved by the Agricultural Board. The part of the scheme relatiug to
sheep was not found to work successfully The inherent difficulties attend-
ing the working of the sheep scheme led to its abandonment after the first
year, except in Wicklow and the congested districts.

The swine scheme has been renewed annually. Every county except
Antrim has adopted the scheme. In Antrim some experiments are being
made with regard to the local breed.

The scheme of 1906 is set out in the Appendix. It will be seen that it
follows, generally, the lines of the cattle scheme.

The amount of the premium is £5 for the first year, £3 for the second
year. The premiums are restricted to boars eligible for entry in the herd book
of their particular breeds, or in the Register of Pigs of the Royal Dublin
Society.

From the table set out in the Appendix it will be seen that the number
of premiums for boars actually paid rose from 151 in 1901 to 273 in 1906.
In 1904 there was a considerable fall in the number of premiums allotted as
compared with the previous year. The reason of this falling-off appears to
have been a rise of the price of boars owing to increased competition and
the limitation of number of boars due to restriction on importation. In
the scheme of 1905 a clause was introduced that “ the Department will as
far as practicable, assist intending purchasers to secure suitable boars.” The
method adopted is that selected applicants for premiums should deposit £2
with the county committees, and that the balance of the price of the
animal should be deducted from the amount of the premium at the end of
the season. According to Professor Campbell, “ the result of this arrange-
ment has been that the scheme is now working much more satisfactorily
than in previous years. I anticipate that in a short time we will be able
to show as good results under this as under the cattle scheme.”

98. It is not a matter of surprise that, as in the case of horse-breeding and
other questions, differences of opinion have arisen between the Department
and the local farmers as to the best breed of pigs. The Department favours
the Yorkshire breed, while some witnesses stoutly maintain the superiority of
the local breed to which they have been accustomed. An interesting
discussion on the subject, in the course of which it appears that Canadian
experience is in favour of the Department’s view, will be found in the
•examination of Mr. Lockhart, an experienced farmer, and a member of the
Armagh county committee, by Mr. Dryden. General Clifford (Cavan)
gives a graphic illustration of the apparent superiority of the native breed
as a sucking pig and of the real superiority of the pure-bred animal when
three months old. The type recommended by the Department is approved
by certain of the witnesses from Down ; on the other hand, we are told that
the Yorkshire does not find favour with the farmers in some parts of the
county, owing to its having erect and not drooping ears, and to suspicion as
to the quality of its produce. Fermanagh complains of the difficulty of
■obtaining a sufficient supply of boars. In Galway, on the other hand, Mr.
Burke, member of the county council and agricultural committee, stated that
the swine scheme has been a great success and that the boars are obtainable
for “ almost nothing.” The evidence of Father Meehan, representing the
county committee of Leitrim, is best given in his own words —

“ With regard to swine, that is an instance of where the people have been educated. In the
beginning the people did not believe the Department were on the right_lines — that is, in the County
Leitrim. They now believe they are on the right line. I have taken the trouble to find out, and
it is like this. The first time those Yorkshire pigs were introduced they did not sell very well in
the markets. The owners were beaten in price by pigs of a flabby description, which were then
prevalent. They were all hybrid, no recognised breed of pigs whatever. There are a few of the
old black pigs in the country still, but they are very few. But when the Limerick buyers came to
know these pigs, they require a special stamp of pig, and the Yorkshire breed exactly fills the bill ;
so they are getting far higher prices now than they were. Without the Department I do not see
how they could ever have been introduced into the country. It was quite a new experience to the
people to see the officers of a Government Department taking any interest in the people."

The Swine
Scheme.

Campbell, 1772.

175G.

Appendix XLVIL

Appendix XI.

1761.

Local evidence as
to working of the
Swine Scheme.

10240-4.

9888.

Bell, 9158-9.

Sharman-Crawford,

9075-80.

Dickson, 9113.
Young, 9250.
Archdale, 8240.
Hall, 8264.

Burke, 6115.

7036.

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5'0

mz.

582 2,

638&-

6253-

Crewe-, 5T2S,

General results,,

Tie Poultry
Scheme.

Paragraph 84.

Appendix V.

Campbell 1502.

See M'Cance, 8804-
S2.

Mr., - now Sir A. Shaw, a member of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce,
stated that the South of Ireland bacon-curers had. spent £30,000 in the pur-
chase and distribution of boars with a view to improving the breed of pigs,
and that the result had been that in some districts there is now a finer breed
than : can be had in England. The Limerick county committee had not till
recently adopted the scheme, and he makes it a complaint against the Depart-
ment that it has been too apathetic in not compelling or inducing the
county council and committee to take up the question of the improvement
of the breed of swine at an earlier date. He, however, confined himself to a
general statement, and did not indicate in what manner the Department ought
to have brought pressure on the local authority. Mr. Larminie (Mayo) who
did not appear in a representative capacity, but has been connected with the
county all his life in the management of large estates and farms, says as to
the scheme for breeding pigs : —

“ 1 don’t really think there is much improvement required in that. The "breeding of pigs
has been absolutely revolutionised in this county ■ we have as good a breed of pigs as they have
in any part of Ireland. The buyers come up from Limerick, and all the South of Ireland to buy
our pigs.”

Similar evidence was given by Mr. Galvin, chairman of the committee
of agriculture of county Roscommon —

l< I take one item — pigs — and already we have practically transformed the entire of the breed
of pigs, which is a very considerable item in Roscommon ; we have twenty-four boars, and the
effect of the introduction of better blood has been to transform the whole pig breed of Roscommon ; I
have heard it estimated by a very extensive pig-buyer that the effect of our scheme has been to
increase the value of the Roscommon pigs by at least £10,000 a year.”

In North Tipperary the chairman of the committee of agriculture
regrets that the subsidies provided by the committee for pure-bred boars
“ are not availed of at the present to any appreciable extent.”

99. The general result of the extracts from the evidence above given appears
to justify the conclusion that the scheme for improvement of pig-breeding
encouraged by the Department is on the right lines, but that there is much
room for further development.

100. The subject of instruction in poultry-keeping has already been referred
to. We have now to consider the steps taken by the Department and
the county committees to improve the quality and increase the quantity
of Irish poultry and eggs. The Agricultural Board, in August, 1903,
approved an estimate of £1,500 for egg distributing stations. The method
adopted was to provide for a limited number of premiums of £5 each to
suitable applicants who should distribute at least sixty settings of eggs, with
smaller premiums proportioned to smaller distributions. Conditions were
imposed providing for limitation of the breed of hens kept, the destruction
or removal of all existing inferior fowls, and the exclusion of new fowls of
inferior description. Other provisions were also made for preserving the
purity of the breed, for housing, food and space.

Settings of eggs were to be supplied to any person in the county at Is.
per dozen, all eggs were to be stamped, and an accurate record kept of all
eggs laid and distributed. Assistance was provided to selected persons for
providing themselves with approved portable wooden fowl-houses. Th8
whole establishment was to be under the supervision of the instructor.
Ducks, turkeys, and geese were included in the scheme. Premiums were also
offered for pure -bred turkey cocks.

In 1904 and 1905 the estimate for egg stations approved by the Board
was £2,000. The number of settings to be distributed to earn the maximum
premium was raised to seventy. In 1906 the number of egg stations through-
out Ireland was 495 ; of these 315 were for hens only, and 180 for hens and
ducks. Nearly 53,000 dozen of eggs were distributed. Turkey stations have
been established in thirty counties, and the number of premiums offered for
male birds was 425. In one county, Antrim, instead of the system of egg
stations, a poultry farm has been established. This is fully described by Mr.
Dryden in the memorandum annexed to the Report. Expert opinion, how-
ever, appears to prefer the system of numerous egg stations as of greater
general utility and less liable to disease resulting from overcrowding.

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101. In the opinion of many witnesses, the Irish.. farmer will profit New and improv-
comparatively little from an increase in the number and quality of
e w S or fowls, unless he has open to him improved facilities for the
disposal of his produce. This subject belongs properly to another head of Paragraph nr.
this report, but it seems convenient to mention in this connection the steps
taken by the Department to endeavour, to increase, the facilities for placing
Irish poultry on the English market.

As Professor Campbell states : —

« Enoi-mous quantities of birds are shipped alive to Great Britain from Ireland, unfatcened and 152 1 -
unfit for the table. Many of these are fattened in establishments in Great Britain. They are
sold as Surrey chickens, I am quite sure, in the London markets, and thus the main profits are ,

lost to the . Irish cottager. The Department have, however, induced a number of private
individuals as well as one or two co operative societies to take up the question of fattening birds
in this country, and to send them to the English markets _ ready for the kitchen. As in every
other branch of our work, a difficulty has been experienced in procuring properly-trained workers.

* *** ** * ****

“ To meet this the Department have established a school in which the cramming and fattening 1525.
of fowl for market are properly taught. This school is in County Wicklow, at Avondale, in con-
nection with the forestry station. At this school, when our school is in full working order, we
have from one to two thousand birds being constantly fattened and sent to the London market.

These birds are the produce mostly of eggs which we send out from the station itself. We have
room among the trees for this work, and we utilise that for distributing the eggs. In this case
we have gone in largely for the Surrey fowl, the fowl that has such a reputation in the London
market. The produce then come into our station, and we fatten them and send them to
London.”

In the case of the Avondale fattening station, the Department claims
to have shown that in business of this kind conducted on commercial Campbell, 1 528.
lines, a laro'e profit may be made, though under conditions combining
instruction with trading there has been a considerable loss. Another method
adopted by the Department has been to supply, if possible, a qualified
manager free of charge for twelve months in cases “ where a society or an l537-s *
individual puts up sufficient capital and building to warrant the hope that a
successful poultry- fattening industry might be started in the district. Four
cases are mentioned where this course has been taken.

102. In attempting to form some estimate of the working of this scheme Local Evidence,
by the local authorities, we have to take into account the important evidence
given by representative witnesses from various counties in Ireland. With
hardly an exception these witnesses speak favourably of the working of
the scheme as regards the improvement which has taken place in the
breeds of poultry, in the quantity and quality of eggs, and, in, some cases, in
the enhanced prices obtainable both for eggs and fowls.. The weak point on
■which some of the witnesses dwell is the want of improved facilities fqr
marketing both eggs and live and dead poultry.

We summarise briefly the evidence of witnesses from the following
counties, taking them in alphabetical order.

Mr. M'Cance and Mr. Turtle, representing the Antrim county council, 8 804.
speak of the enormous benefit resulting from the working of the poultry farm 8853.
at Cullybackey, already referred to.

In county Carlow, according to Mr. Hanlon, representing the agricul- 11350 _
tural committee and a member of the Agricultural Council, the poultry
scheme is doing very well under a f ‘ first-rate instructress.” . ,

Mr. M‘Quaid, speaking for the agricultural committee of county Cavan, 625
tells us that the scheme was a success, but that, owing to difficulties of
marketing, prices had not risen, except that the grading and cleaning of eggs
taught' by the instructress raised their value Is. 3 cl. per hundred. ;

Mr. Roberts, representing the county Cork committee of agriculture, 5 03 _ 7 .
speaks of the difficulty of getting the people to abandon the -old fowl, but
says the committee has established 50 egg stations, and the demand for

G 2

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8068-71.

8238.

3027G,

O’Neill, 3123.

Arclulale, 8426.
West, 8272.
Burke, 6116. *•
Hynes, 6195.

6823k

7029*.

C028A.

6676.

6506-9*

4040

Kuslie, 10178.
C2BS

C957-8.

7170 - 1 .

eggs and poultry increases every year. He speaks of great improvement iru
the breed in many districts. “ It is the markets principally we want for-
th e poultry. The markets are very bad.”

In county Down, according to Colonel Sharman-Crawford (chairman of
county council), the’ benefits - of the scheme are considerable. There is a very
marked improvement in the prices both of fowls and eggs, and also in turkeys,.
Mr. Small and Mr. Young, farmers residing in the county, speak strongly in
respect to the beneficial working of the scheme, and the improvement both a&
quantity and grade of eggs.

The report from county Dublin is less satisfactory. This is referred,
to in the Memorandum on the County Schemes which is annexed to tho
Report.

The witnesses representing Fermanagh, Galway, and Leitrim speak of
the scheme as a great success — “ all that could be desired.” Mr. Hughes,
notes a great improvement in the last five years. Mr. Burke tells us that
“ people make little revenues out of their dozen or two dozen hens, and it is-
extraordinary what a number of eggs are laid in excess of what there
previously were ; and people get a better price,”

In Leitrim, Mr. Keane says that there is a much larger production of
eggs than there used to be, and Father Meehan, a parish priest, whose
evidence as regards the swine scheme has been already referred to, dwells
on the great need for improvement in marketing facilities.

“ At the present time while there is a small benefit in increased eggs and better poultry and
stronger poultry, as an industry it is worthless ; they got no more money than they got before.”

Mr. Clarke, the former secretary of the Mayo committee, says that
poultry farms, meaning apparently egg-stations, of which there were 24, worked
very well, but does not think that the lectures were of any utility. Mr.
Carolan, the present secretary, put in the report of the committee, which
contained a statement that the egg-stations were working satisfactorily, but
that more might be done for rearing and fattening fowl for the market. Mr.
Carolan thinks that egg-stations are bound to increase according as the people
get to understand the schemes better. Mr. Higgins, however, a member of
the committee, is sceptical about the benefit of instruction, and would rather
have the money spent in distributing eggs.

Mr. Kennedy, from Meath, speaks of the scheme as working very well and:
with benefit to the county, “because we have a good instructress, and it is
suitable to the wants of the people too.”

Monaghan, according to the secretary of the county committee, has a
number of egg-stations, and the whole thing is carried out as perfectly as-
possible.

In Roscommon, according to Mr. Galvin, the chairman of the committee,,
there are 21 egg-stations, “ working very well ; 25,000 eggs of approved breeds
were distributed this year. A good deal of distrust is still felt throughout the-
county as to the improved breeds, but still the fact remains that 25,000
eggs have been distributed and paid for, and no doubt the effect will sooni
be shown-” Mr. Neary, a member of the county council and agricultural
committee, also speaks of the success of the poultry scheme. “ There is no
doubt whatever that there is an improvement in the breed of poultry. The
price of eggs is rising somewhat.”

Mr. Keane, the secretary of the committee of county Sligo, tells us that
the scheme has only been in operation for two years, “ and has given great
satisfaction; the people seem to take great interest in it.” The lectures
are very largely attended. “ We were fortunate in getting a good poultry
instructress, a very good lecturer.”

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The chairman of the North Tipperary committee of agriculture, the Rev.
R. Crowe, parish priest, in the course of his extremely interesting and
important evidence, says : —

« The result of our poultry instructress’s work is apparent all over the county. No one can
fail to notice the remarkable improvement that has taken place in the quality of the various
fowls reared by the farmers and cottiers both for egg-laying and table purposes, llie puny
nondescript breeds that prevailed a few years since have now given place generally to some ot tne
very best breeds that the world can produce. The poultry exhibits at Nenagh and Thurles bhows
surpassed anything of the kind held in former years in any provincial town, both for number and
quality. We have pleasure in noting that the splendid poultry fattenmg station recently estab-
lished under the direction of the Department in Nenagh has given the greatest possible klip to the
fowl rearing industry in North Tipperary. We are confident that if the farmers wives an
daughters devote more time and attention to the rearing of fowl of all kinds, it should become one
of the most remunerative industries of the farm.

5723.

The Rev. J.Forde, Protestant clergyman, Cullen Rectory, vice-chairman S14J -
of the Tipperary urban district committee, regrets that there are not greater
facilities for marketing fowls.

The secretary of the county committee for Tyrone, Mr. Dallinger, enters 7355.
into considerable detail as to the development of the poultry scheme in that
county. More than 1 00 “ pioneer ” lectures on the subject were delivered
before March, 1902— pure-breds were introduced, numerous egg stations
established— and since 1902 nearly 10,000 settings of 12 eggs of pure-bred fowls,
ducks and geese, have been distributed in the county. He estimates that
about 12,000 pure-bred birds are added annually to the county stock at an
average cost to the county of about 7-10ths of a penny per bird. Measures
are taken to select and improve the stock year by year, and Mr. Dallinger
declares that many of the selected hens in Tyrone are now of such a quality
that settings of eggs from them would realise 10s. per dozen in the open
market during the breeding season. He goes on to describe the influence
of the instruction and ot the lectures on improvement in the methods of
housing and feeding. In 1904 arrangements were made by the committee
for the instructor to give practical demonstrations, preceded by a short lecture
at the principal local shows on the fattening, killing, plucking, and trussing
of poultry. In 1905 classes were formed, conducted by the Instructor on
these subjects, and also on the grading, testing, and packing of eggs. The
classes were held at ten centres in the county. A. small portable poultry
farm, which remains for six weeks in one place, and is then moved elsewhere,
has been provided, lectures and practical work being carried on at each
stopping place. With regard to prices since the scheme came into operation,
it is found that in a single market town the prices per dozen of eggs rose from
an average of 9'5 d, in 1900 to 9*8o»i. in 1905, having been as low as 8*9 cl.
in 1902 ; in another town the average price in 1900 was 9'4 7cl., in 1905 I2'2d.
per dozen. During the same period the average price of dead poultry is
stated to have risen from 2s. 6d. to 3s. per pair.

In addition to the evidence above referred to, we have before us the'-
latest reports of the agricultural committees of twenty-one counties, most
of which specially refer to the poultry scheme as working very satisfactorily,
and in many cases high testimony is borne to the great value of the work of'
the instructors employed by the county committees. We refer especially to
the reports from counties Armagh, Clare, King’s County, Longford, Louth,
and Monaghan. In county Kerry, after some initial difficulties, good progress
appears to have been made.

103. The scheme of the Department for subsidies to Agricultural and Local Shows.
Industrial Shows will be found in Appendix. Sixty-one shows were subsidised Appendix xxxvi.
in 1901 and 140 in 1906. The policy of the Department is to give encourage-
ment to small rather than large shows. Professor Campbell considers the Campbcl! ’ 1814 -
former more useful for the small farmer than the larger shows, though on this
point he states there is some difference of opinion. The Agricultural Board
vote annually a sum of £4,000 for subsidies to shows. This sum is distributed
amono-st the county committees. It appears that the Department has not been
altogether satisfied with the working of this scheme. It is complained that in

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Fifth Annual Report
of Department,
1901-5, p. 31.

S shim 3 of Prizes
for Cottages and
small Farms.

Appendix’XXXVII.
■Campbell, 1494.

The Flax Scheme.

Campbell, 1963.

some eases the schedules of prizes prepared by the show societies were not
framed with sufficient care or supervision, and that county shows '* are worked
as a rule on too ambitious a scale, and the expenses of administration are often
altogether out of proportion to the amount of prizes awarded or to the benefits
derived by the county.” Some further 'evidence as to the working of the
show scheme will be found in the memorandum annexed to the Report.

104. In 1902-3 some counties included in their schemes provision for prizes
for well-kept cottages and farms. It was stated to the Board by Professor
Campbell that the success which had attended this portion of the schemes
rendered it likely that similar provision would be made by other counties
for the next year. It was proposed to prepare a general scheme. The
Board approved, and voted £5,000 in connection with it. * A similar sum
was voted in the following year, the number of counties giving prizes for these
objects haying risen to 25. In 1905 a general scheme was issued, and is
set out in the Appendix. The judging is done by the agricultural instruc-
tors, but no instructor can judge in the county in which he works. The
scheme was adopted by 27 counties in 1905 and 31 in 19 96, and is stated to
have worked very successfully. In 1906 the amount offered in prizes was
<£5,558. The details of the prizes are drawn up by each county com-
mittee for itself in conjunction with the officers of the Department, except
in county Cork, where another arrangement is made. Further details as
■to the working of the scheme in various counties are given in the memo-
randum.

105. The question of the cultivation and handling of flax in Ireland appears
to give rise to questions of great intricacy and difficulty, on which very
different views are held. In 1901, acting on the recommendation of the
Advisory Committee on Flax, the Agricultural Board adopted a proposal of
the Department to take over the services of three foreign experts then
engaged in Ireland, to buy some Dutch and Riga seed, to frame a scheme
for flax-growing to be financed by the Department to which the councils of
the six Northern counties interested in flax-growing should contribute,.
The principal features of the scheme were to conduct experiments with
manures and seeds and in retting and scutching flax, the visits of a scutching
•expert to the mills, the services of agents in continental flax-seed markets
do advise and report as to the seed-supply, prizes for flax at local shows and
markets, establishment of a training centre for the sons of Irish farmers in
the cultivation, retting, scutching, and marketing of flax. It was also con-
templated that the present managers of mills and scutchers might receive
instruction at this institution. The total cost of carrying out this scheme
was estimated at £1,500, of which the Department agreed to contribute
£1,000. The counties referred to are Antrim, Armagh, Donegal, Down,
Londonderry, and Tyrone. Counties Cavan and Monaghan subsequently
joined. The scheme was further developed next year by provisions for
enabling scutch mill owners, to visit the continent, by lectures on the results
of experiments and otherwise, and £2,500 was voted for the scheme, the
contributions of the above-named counties amounting to £1,000. In the
succeeding years the scheme has been renewed substantially on the same
lines.

The evidence which has been laid before us by the Department and by
the representative witnesses for the counties above mentioned makes it
extremely difficult to draw definite conclusions as to the prospects of the flax
industry in Ireland.

With regard to the cultivation of the crop the principal efforts of the
Department and the county committees were directed to — 1 . Improvement in
manuring ; 2. Improvement in seed. As to the former very little was known.
A large number of experiments were made under the schemes, and the results
are stated to have been novel and interesting. There appears, however, to
be but little material for any statement of definite results. The prize scheme

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•was graduated so as to encourage as much as possible small growers. The
details in the matter of framing the schedule of prizes were left entirely to
the county committees.

With regard to the improvement of flax seed, strenuous efforts were made
by the Department to obtain a supply of the best foreign seed. The Depart-
ment purchased this seed and distributed it in small lots amongst flax growers,
so that it might be tested against local seed. The system also was adopted
of giving prizes in seed at shows. This, however, does not appear to have
been carried out to any large extent in the county schemes. _ It seems that
Irish seed is not suitable and there is only a very small quantity of it, partly
because the plant grown in Ireland is somewhat different from the plant used
for seed in Russia, and partly because the mode of dealing with the crop in
Ireland, owing, it is stated, to the difficulty of obtaining sufficient labour,
involves the loss of the seed, which otherwise, if not suitable for growing,
is excellent food for calves. In fact, the great difficulty in the way of suc-
cessful and remunerative cultivation of flax in Ireland appears to be the
difficulty of obtaining sufficient labour.* Some witnesses, however, are of 7g30 ‘

opinion that the saving and sowing of Irish seed ought to be more encouraged arD c ’
than it is.

The report of the Antrim committee for 1904-5 speaks of the successful Antrim,
course of lectures given in 1904, also of a change in the system by discon-
tinuing prizes for scutched flax and confining them to “ flax on foot ” — in
other words,' to the cultivation of flax. The judges reported favourably of
the crop, but in some cases the crops were spoiled by bad sowing and by
weeds. Mr. M'Connell speaks of noticing improvement in the production of 8881 .
flax in the glens of Antrim.

The Armagh scheme also confines the prizes to the growing of flax. Mr. Armagh.
Murphy, member of the committee, says that flax growing was looked on in s557
the county' as a dying industry. Since the Department took the matter up 8552.
it has a little improved, but there is great room for improvement. He thinks ^
that more training is required, and that workingmen, rather than experts, 00 '
should be sent to learn continental methods. The expenditure upon
the scheme in this county was £150, half being contributed by the
Department.

In Donegal, Mr. O’Doherty, the secretary of the committee, says that Donegal,
since the flax scheme has been put into operation the culture of the crop has 7C11>
been very much revived in the flax-growing districts of the county. He has
been informed that nearly twice as much flax is grown now as there was
two years ago. He speaks somewhat unfavourably of the operation off
prizes for scutched flax. The flax is specially scutched for “ show.” He is;
strongly in favour of giving prizes in seed rather than in money where-
possible, though this is difficult in case of growing flax, because seed is not
wanted at that time of year. There were last year 138 entries for prizes, an
addition of 36 over the previous year.

In county Down, according to .Mr. Dickson, the chairman of the com- Down,
mittee, the flax scheme has not been so successful as could have been wished. 9097 - 8 .

The cultivation of the crop is attended with too much risk, and there is also
the. difficulty of a scarcity of labour. He doubts the efficacy of the prize 9100 . 3 ,
system, but approves the steps taken for the provision of good seed. Mr. 9182>

Robb, a member of the committee, takes the same view, and would have the
money spent on instruction.

It appears from the report of the county committee that in this county
the prizes are offered to growers only, and were given in money, not in seed.

The total amount allocated for the purpose of the scheme for 1906 was £100,
half of which was contributed by the Department.

* Reade, 9852-61 ; Murphy, 8552-4 ; Huston, 8530-4 ; Dickson, 9104 ; Melvin, 6689-91 :

Macfarlane, 7442.

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Monaghan.

Londonderry.
Stewart, 7562.

Tyrone.
Appendix XLI.

7539-55.

9845.

9851.

See Camjiuell, 1963.

Monaghan has a flax prize scheme graduated, as in all other cases, in
classes, according to the valuation of the holding. The judge’s report for 1906
is favourable. The crop is reported as good all over in the southern half of
the county — not so good in the northern. The prizes are given in seed, a
practice the judge strongly approves of ; he believes the failure of this fine
industry in years gone by was largely due to bad seed. There seems to be
much room for improvement in the mode of sowing the seed. The amount
expended in prizes in this county in 1906 was £61 5 s. } half being payable by
the Department.

The county committee of Londonderry have adopted the scheme, and
give prizes in cash. The classes consist of (1) growers, (2) scutchers, (3) other
employees in mills where prize lots were scutched, (4) mill owners.

In county Tyrone, also, a similar scheme was adopted, being section C
of the general scheme set out in the Appendix. In this county all prizes were
given in seed. The judge, Mr. J. W. Stewart, reported that in the southern
portion of the county the scutching is carried out in a most creditable manner.
He does not report so favourably of the scutching in the northern part of the
county, owing, it would seem, to a difference in the character of the machinery.
Mr. Stewart appears to have been employed by the Department in 1904 to
give lectures in these counties, which he states are well attended. His
evidence, however, as to the flax industry in Londonderry, and that of Mr.
Wamock is not very encouraging. He appears to think that little
or no good is to be gained from Belgian training and experience. As to the
growing and handling of flax, he thinks that Irish seed and methods are
preferable to foreign.

The evidence of Mr. Stewart appears to be at variance with that of Mr.
Reade, President of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, who gives figures to
show “ how badly and imperfectly flax is grown in Ireland.” He goes on to
point out the superiority of the Belgian method of cultivation of flax and of
subsequent treatment. With regard to the effect of the operations of the
Department he states : —

“In Ireland in 1894 there were over 100,000 acres sown. That dropped in 1899, when it was
at its minimum, 34,000 acres. It has since been unsteady, but on the whole it has been on the
ascending scale, and this year there is probably 50,000 to 55,000 acres in flax. A great stimulus
has been given to the growth of flax by the operations of the Department. I have no doubt
that if the Department had not stepped in about 1900 flax cultivation would have diminished still
further. They have been giving prizes for samples of flax for dress and finish, and also for fields.
They have sent out instructions over the country, and they have had experimental plots for
testing the various manures, and they have issued very useful little tracts about seed, and they
have a distinct branch for seeds, so that anyone can send seed there, and test its germinating
power.”

He then refers to a “ small experiment ” in applying Belgian methods of
drying flax, which the Department had undertaken at the instance of the
Flax Supply Association, and is asked —

“ 9852. Is it your own personal opinion that there is no reason why these improved methods
could not be applied r f — My own personal opinion is strongly that it can be done ; but others think
the opposite, and, therefore, I asked the Department to try it on a small scale. The reason that
flax-growing has decreased is that it has not paid very well. I attribute that to the small
farmers not treating it with sufficient skill, and where others want to grow it there has been
.a scarcity of labour. Flax is not like other crops. When you have grown it you have also to ret
it and scutch it, and at the time of retting, &c., harvest operations are in full blast. The remedy
.should be to adopt a scientific system, under which the farmer, having grown the flax, is done with
It, and sells it to the middleman, who geneially has a retting place and a place for scutching.”

It appears that the attention that has been directed to the growing and
treatment of flax has resulted in a gratifying change in the extent of the crop.
The diminution in the number of acres under flax, which held until 1899, bas
now beep checked and has given place to a decided increase, the figures for
1906 being over 55,000 acres as compared with 34,000 acres in 1899.

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(b) DIRECT ACTION OF CENTRAL AUTHORITY.

106. Having now dealt with the steps taken for the advancement of
agriculture by the joint action of the central and local authorities, financed
through the joint fund, we have to enumerate the principal ways in which the
Department endeavours to assist agriculture by its direct action, and entirely
out of the endowment fund placed at its disposal subject to the concurrence
of the Agricultural Board.

107. The importance of establishing a system of seed-testing for farmers Seed-testing

was early recognised. In N ovember, 1 9 00, a proposal to make arrangements for Station,

this purpose was brought before the Agricultural Board. With the approval

of the Board the arrangements were made, and the cost was in the first
instance defrayed out of the Parliamentary vote. After April 1 , 1901 , on
objection taken by the Treasury, the cost was paid out of the endowment
fund, and a sum of £200 per annum was voted annually for the purpose. Campbell, 1975.
A seed-testing station has been set up in Dublin, to which farmers can send Megaw, 12394. ’
seeds to be tested at a charge of threepence per sample. A table will be found
in the Appendix showing that the number of samples of seeds sent to be tested Appendlx XIIL
rose from 387 in 1901 to 1,478 in 1906 .

Much importance is attached to this work, for Ireland has been
the “ dumping ground of bad seed. 1 ’

Notices are posted in the seed season at police barracks and elsewhere Campbell, 1980.
calling attention to the opportunities for seed-testing. Some difficulty arises Megaw, 12420.
from attempts to use the Department’s tests for purposes of advertisement,
and it is necessary to charge a higher rate for testing samples of seeds for
others than farmers. Mr. Rudd, Agricultural Instructor for the West Riding
of the county of Cork, gave some striking evidence of the great amount of 262 °'
defective seeds sown in his district, and of the beneficial effects which followed
on the demonstration of the loss which farmers were sustaining from this
cause. He stated that the practice of the farmers demanding, and the dealers
giving, a guarantee of quality, was largely increasing, and in process of time 12627.

“ all will be able to get it.”

108. It has alreadj 7 been pointed out that the dairying industry of Ireland Creameries,
is carried on either at the individual farm or at the creamery. Home Paragraph so.
dairying has been already dealt with, as falling under the county schemes,

which are worked by the joint action of the Department and the local
authority. Creameries are dealt with by the central authority exclusively.

Creameries were established in Ireland long before the existence of the
Department. Its action is confined to the improvement of the methods under
which they are conducted. The Department has, it is hardly necessary to Cam P bell > 1925 -
state, no power of making or enforcing regulations. It can only advise and
offer inducements for the adoption of improved methods. For these purposes
the Department has framed a general scheme. The scheme provides for
(a) inspection and registration of creameries and auxiliaries ; (6) supervision
by visiting instructors ; (c) winter courses in dairy technology for managers ;

(d) an annual examination for creamery managers’ certificates, and (e)
surprise butter competitions.

About 150 creameries are registered and inspected, and a register of
well-managed creameries is kept, on which managers are anxious to have their
creameries included. The inspection is concerned with the methods employed,
the buildings, equipment, and suitability for training pupils. The staff em-
ployed by the Department consists of two inspectors and four travelling-
teachers in dairying, whose duty it is to visit the creameries applying for their
services and to give technical advice. Three hundred and twenty creameries
are now on the visiting list. Courses are arranged at the Albert
Institution for students who intend to become creamery managers, and in
winter there are special courses for engineering and dairy technology. A
good deal of knowledge of machinery is required for running the engines
and the pasteurising plant required "in a. creamery. The students receive
a maintenance allowance and free instruction.

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Campbell, 1927.

Winter Dairying.

Campbell, 15243,
16515-26.

Cheese-making.

Tobacco.

1894.

1896.

The Department also holds an annual examination, and gives provisional
certificates asto the result of the examination to creamery managers. The full
certificate is only given when, in addition to obtaining the provisional certifi-
cate the eandldlte has for twelve months managed a creamery to the

SatiS The ^^etate^S^titions are carried out by despatching without
nrevious nolce on not less than five or more than eight occasions during
the season telegrams to managers who have entered for competition
requesting 'that a box or packet of the butter made on the day^e telegram
is sent off may be at once sent to an address in Dublin. the prizes are
awarded by four judges, three of whom are representatives of the principal

m^Clo sdy G connected with the butter-making industry, both as carried
on in creameries and in the houses of the farmers, is the question of winter
dairying Ireland can never hope to compete successfully with Denmark as a
butter-, froducing country unless she is able to send out an adequate supply of
butter all the year round, instead of as at present having an adequate supply
only in the summer mouths. So far the Department has not seen its way
to promote winter dairying otherwise than through agricultural instructors
ureC the importance of the question and the necessity of increased
tillage in order to supply the food needed in winter. In county Dork,
through the action of the Bishop of Boss, a scheme operating mainly as a
prize Scheme has been started. Various suggestions have been ™ ade ,
instance, to induce farmers who carry on winter dairying to keep and publish
proper accounts, so as to demonstrate that winter dairying is profitable, oi
to give a bonus to the industry-a method which the Department is
reluctant to adopt. Hitherto no satisfactory method of encouraging winter
dairying has been discovered. The great need seems to be the improvement
and extension of tillage. We are glad to learn that there has been a definite
increase in the number of acres under tillage in Ireland— best marked in the
province of Leinster, but we regret that the movement in this direction has
not yet become more effective in all the dairying districts.

109. Another industry closely connected with creameries is the making
of cheese. Cheese-making cannot at present be said to be an Irish i adustr y-
The Department, in order to test the question whether cheese could be pi oht-
ably made in Ireland, rented a farm in county Cork and equipped hereon a
cheese-making plant. Nearly all the milk on the farm was converted into
cheese of excellent quality. It has been sold at top prices, chiefly m the
Glasgow market. But at present it seems that, for various reasons given by
Professor Campbell, cheese-making is not likely to be adopted in Ireland on .
large scale. Enough has, however, been done to show that Arst-c^ass cheese
can be made in Ireland, and that it is possible that, in the event of the
collapse of the store stock or the butter trade, cheese-making might be
introduced with fair prospect of success.

110 The cultivation of tobacco has also been attempted. In 1900 a
French expert was brought over, and experiments were tried, showing that
tobacco could be grown in Ireland which was capable of being manufactured
into a smoking mixture. At the instance of the Department a rebate
of the Excis? duty payable on the tobacco grown in Ire, and to
the amount of la. per lb. has been allowed to certain selected faimers
who cultivate tobacco under the advice of the Department. Professoi
Campbell is of opinion that as long as farmers get a shilling m the pound
tobacco will be grown, and grown plentifully and at a profit. The cu iva 1
of tobacco cannot be said to have passed out of the experimental stage.
Only 100 acres were under cultivation last year. The services of an
expert from Kentucky have been secured for a few years. Tobacco growing
is a very costly undertaking, and can only be carried on m a few places wi
the permission of the Inland Revenue.

Eaxly potato
growing.

111. Efforts have been made by the Department to encourage in certain
districts early potato-growing. With this view the country has been

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surveyed for suitable districts. Small quantities of seed and boxes are supplied I8 * 9 -

free of charge. Technical advice is given as to the growing and harvesting
of the crop, and efforts are made to put the growers in touch with various
markets. The object is to get a sufficient bulk of produce raised in certain
districts at the period of the year when the market is least well supplied
There is said to be an interval between the supply of ear y potatoes from West
Cornwall and from Scotland which the Irish supply might fill. In some cases
it is said that Irish farmers have made as much as £50 per acre for a crop of 1861
early potatoes in the ground, the purchaser doing the lifting of the crop. Sir
Josslyn Gore-Booth gave us some valuable evidence as to early potato- 6892 - 907 .
growing in county Sligo, but thinks, as does also Professor Gampbe 1, that
there is much need for development of the industry on the commercial side.

Fruit-growing.

Moore, 14374.

112 The direct assistance given by the Department to fruit-growing as a
commercial industry consists in the steps taken (1> to increase the quantity
of fruit grown; (2) to improve the methods of the distribution of the

produce The first step taken by the Department to encourage fruit-growing
in Ireland was to make arrangements for the distribution of fruit trees at
cost price.

County committees ate authorised to purchase trees in balk at and resell Campbell, 1581.

them to farmers, cottagers and others at eost price, pta carnage. We do mrrtgwe
they pay the wholesale price and carriage ; we contract with a large nurseryman, wno
them at a great reduction compared with what a farmer would pay himself.

Afterwards a survey was made of the whole country with # view of
finding districts where fruit-growing was likely to be successful, k. y

suitable districts were found. Q1 •

The plan adopted was to get the secretary of the local authority in
counties found suitable to arrange, if possible, with twenty “

radius of about five miles to give one acre for the cultivation of fruit to
undertake to fence it, and to follow the instructions of the Instructor supplied
by the Department, who was usually not the county Horticultural In stractor.

The Department supplies, free of cost, all the material for planting the acre
and pays the wages of the Instructor for five years-the whole of the produce
belongs to the farmer, and the arrangement lasts for five years^ It is p
that at the end of that time the work wnl be carried on by the farmers

mde Mr d Moo y re, the Keeper of the Botanical Gardens, whose high authority
will not be questioned, states that :

« X believe there is no other country in the world where fruit-growing has got such eminently 11374
practical and satisfactory support as that, and the result has been “ inalft riot?’ ""H
returns show that there has been this year a very good profit on all the well mana„ed plots.

. .‘Eight such centres have been established in Ireland, one has forty acres instead of twenty
So great a success are they that we could plant twenty more centres in this year if we liked but
thefe are no men to do it, we have not material, and also I think after the support ^ has been
given, it is not necessary to push it so far now as it has been done. The men are taking such
£. intelligent interest in it, they are quite different in the orchard work from the ordinary farm
work.”

It is important to observe that the action of the Department in respect of
these plots is not so much the benefit of the individual farmer who joins the
scheme as to show by demonstration the results which may be arrived, at
by the cultivation of fruit under favourable circumstances. The following
questions and answers emphasise this point—

“ 14408 I suppose you look as one of the benefits of establishing this system to its spreading
over the country ta-That was the whole object in starting, to make them examples and demonstra-
Zn lots™: sh7w what could be done. We knew perfecHy well when the thing was got property
started, and the districts had decided for themselves whether they were suitable or not, the people
would come in.

“14409 Do you think it has had that effect as yeti— Very much, especially in certain
districts they are planting more and more ; they are all inclined to plant. If you could get the
statistics now of the number of fruit trees sold last year as compared with four or five years ago
by the County Council ; they are increasing so much.’ H 2

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Campbell, 1873.

Harper, 15464-74.

Campbell, 1876.
Harper, 15485-95.
Fruit Industries
at Drogheda and
Portadown.
Paragraph 134.

Plunkett, 629-33.
17233-46.

Campbell, 1871.

Plunkett, 629, 17235.

Plunkett, 629-33,
17233-46.

(2.) In order to introduce improved methods of distribution the Depart-
ment employs an expert adviser, Mr. Harper, to advise fruit-growers as to the
best methods of grading, packing, and marketing of the fruit. The highest
quality of fruit — that which is suitable for shows, or to be sold in small
quantities in retail shops — is packed in packages of a special character, made
in Ireland, which have already attained, we are told, considerable reputation.
In the case of apples, those of good, but not the highest quality, are packed
in what are called standard packages, containing about a bushel, in which care
is taken that the fruit shall be uniform throughout the whole bushel. Then
follows a “ second ” grade, which in a plentiful year are used for “ canning
and last, the sound but misshapen apples, which are. used for cider.

113. In order to test the possibility of making profit out of second or third-
class fruit, the Department endeavoured to start or assist special industries
for making of jam, canning and preservation of fruit, and cider-making. In
Drogheda the establishment of a jam factory was encouraged by the
Department, and a loan was made to the promoters for the erection of the
necessary plant. In proposing the loan of £1,000 for the approval of the
Agricultural Board, the Vice-President stated that the Association which had
undertaken the enterprise, and had obtained subscriptions amounting to
£2,500, was engaged in developing a new industry, which, if successful,
would have far-reaching effects, not only on the districts over which the
Association’s operations would extend, but in other parts of Ireland as well.
This consideration, he urged, would justify a departure from the usual practice
of limiting assistance to industries to the technical instruction and information
necessary to their success. It was found that the enterprise could not be
made to pay, and ultimately the Association was wound up, and the greater
part of the Department’s loan was written off.

For the same purpose, in order to test whether second-class fruit could
be profitably grown and the produce put on the market, the Department, in
1901, proposed to try certain experiments in fruit and vegetable drying, and
the Agricultural Board voted a sum of £200 for the purpose. The processes
were exhibited at the Cork Exhibition in 1902, and appear to have aroused
great interest. In consequence, the Department in that year proposed to the
Agricultural Board to try an experiment on a commercial scale, and for
this purpose an expenditure of £2,000 was sanctioned in August. It was
found that it would be necessary to equip a factory and employ a staff. It was
proposed to carry on the business for three years, and then to dispose of it.
For this purpose a further grant of £4,000 was sanctioned by the Board.
The industry was established at Portadown. The report on the first year’s
working was that the output, though small, was of good quality and com-
manded a ready sale. A further sum of £1,000 for working capital was
voted by the Board. In August, 1904, a further grant of £2,000 was
sanctioned- by the Board for working capital. In the same year a branch
of the Portadown industry was established at Drogheda, and a sum of
£2,500 was voted for this purpose. In November, 1904, the expenditure
of a further sum of £4,000 was sanctioned. In May, 1905, the Vice-
President informed the Board that the Department was of opinion
that the time had arrived when the factories at Portadown and Drogheda
should be _ transferred to private firms. He claimed that they had
succeeded in establishing a new industry — vegetable drying — and also a
bottling and canning industry, which was new in Ireland. It was always
contemplated that the industries should be transferred when the commercial
soundness of the undertaking was established. Offers had been received
for taking over the industry by various private firms. The Board authorised
the Department to make the best arrangements it could for the transfer.
By this time the operations of the Department aroused considerable opposition
on the part of the Confectioners’ Association in England, who asserted
that what was practically a State-supported industry was entering into com-
petition with the English trade. In consequence, opposition was threatened
in Parliament, and strong pressure was brought to bear on the Department
to discontinue its operations. The view taken by the Vice-President was
that the carrying on of the industry would be justifiable only so long as the
proceeding was in the nature of an experiment, and that the Department had,

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in fact, “ carried out the purpose which was intended.” Although, therefore,
on financial grounds it would probably have been better to have carried on
for a longer period, it was determined to transfer the business at once, and
this was done.

114. Amongst the steps taken by the Department to assist agriculture
by means of its endowment fund must be mentioned the special investigations
and experiments which from time to time are undertaken. Some of them
have been already referred to.

115. Professor Campbell explained to us some experiments in barley-
growing which had been undertaken in conjunction with Messrs. Guinness with
the view of ascertaining what was the best sort of barley for farmers to grow.

In connection with the effects of creameries on the breeding of stock,
which is said to be injurious owing to the poor quality of the separated milk,
a number of experiments were carried on at the Cork Exhibition in 1902
with the view of demonstrating the methods of replacing with artificial fats
the nutritious qualities of the separated milk. The methods adopted at Cork
were, however, unfavourably criticised by Mr. [K. H. Beamish. Similar
experiments have since been carried on at some of the Department’s farms,
and have resulted in much improvement as regards the rearing of calves.

1 16. Special investigations have also been held as to outbreaks of disease
in cattle. The principal instance of such an investigation was in the case of an
outbreak of “ white scour ” in Limerick, which was attributed to the creameries.
The French Government placed at the disposal of the Department the services
of the late Professor Nocard, head of the Veterinary College at Alfort, near
Paris. _ A laboratory was fitted up for him, and a large staff employed for his
investigations, which were on an extensive scale. Ultimately he discovered
the micro-organism which caused the disease, and that its existence was due
to the uncleanly state of the premises in which the calf was born, and made
certain recommendations, which the Department has carried out since f ‘ with
the very best results.” The result of these investigations proved of the
greatest value throughout the counties where the disease prevailed.

117. There is danger that improved methods of agricultural education
will assist but little to advance the material prosperity of Ireland, unless there
is also an improvement in the opportunity both of obtaining the necessary
materials for successful agriculture, and of disposing of the increased produce.
It was realised for several years before the Department of Agriculture came
into existence that it was of the first importance to create an organisation
which should aim at bettering the condition of the Irish farmers in both these
directions. It was thought that these objects could be best effected by promo-
tion of co-operation amongst the small holders of land.

The first start was made in 1889, when an association was formed for the
purpose of applying the principle of co-operation to the production of butter.
One co-operative creamery was started in that year by the association.
Before 1889 such cieamenes as existed were owned by joint stock companies
and by farmers, and some by land owners. In 1906 the number of co-operative
creamery societies was 860. The principle of these societies is that the farmers
who supply the milk are themselves the shareholders in the societv, and con-
sequently have the control of its proceedings. The next step was to form
small societies for the purpose of purchasing seeds and manures. Gradually
other societies were formed. There were societies for sheep breeding, for
poultry, for bees, for obtaining and hiring out machinery, and for other pur-
poses. Until after the establishment of the Department, the Irish Agricultural
Organisation Society, as the parent Association was called, had beensupported
entirely by voluntary contributions, including grants from the Congested
Districts Board.

118. When the Department of Agriculture came into existence an
arrangement was made to engage in the service of the Department the agents
of the Society who had been employed in giving the instruction necessary to
advance its objects. Accordingly, in July, 1900, the Agricultural Board

Plunkett, 17238-9.

Special

investigations.

Earley-growing.

1849.

Calf-feeding.

1930.

4996.

Diseases.
Campbell, 1930.

1934.

Co-operation.

Anderson, 14485.

Bryan, 13250-3.

Irish Agricultural

Organisation

Society.

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Appendix LXVIII.
Paragraph 29

resolved— “ That the agricultural instruction now carried out by the Irish
Agricultural Organisation Society may be taken over by the Department, and
the experts engaged in such instruction may be employed by them as from
April I 1900 to such extent and subject to such conditions as the Department
may approve!” In April, 1902, it was stated to the Board by the Vice-
President that the operations of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society
were extending rapidly, that it then comprised 625 societies representing
about 60,000 farmers, and that no organisation was comparable to the Societies
for enabling the Department to reach the individual farmer. It was further
stated that the work of the Society was much hampered by want of rands.
In fact since the establishment of the Department voluntary contributions

In 1905 the question as to the relations between the Department and
the Society again came under the consideration of the Agricultural Board.
It seems that some payments had been made to the Society for agricultural and
other instruction, and also for expenses incurred by the Society tor the
Department, and a committee of representatives of the Department and ol the
Society had been formed to prepare a scheme for placing their relations on
a more definite footing. It was proposed that the Department should con-
tribute a lump sum to the Society to be administered in accordance with a
scheme to be submitted annually for the approval of the Department.

There was considerable difference of opinion upon the Board whether it
was wise for the Department itself to undertake the work carried on
by the I.A.O.S., or to subscribe to the Society in the manner proposed.
Finally the question was adjourned for further consideration. At a subse-
quent meeting of the Board, in February, 1905, after some discussion, it was
unanimously agreed that an experimental scheme, submitted by the Vice-
President, should be tried for one year. By this scheme the Department
was to have two representatives upon the executive committee ol the
Society, and to contribute £2,000 to the funds of the Society to be applied
to the use of organising (a) Credit Societies, (i b ) Co-operative Live Stock
Insurance Societies, (c) Co-operative Home Industries Societies

In February, 1906. the question again came forward with reference
to the arrangements between the Society and the Department for 1906-7.
It appears that the funds of the Society were now at so low an ebb that
the estimate for the coming year showed a deficiency, in the absence ot any
aid from the Department, of £3,650. The Vice-President proposed that this
deficiency should be met by a grant of the required amount. I here was a
discussion disclosing some difference of opinion amongst the members ol the
Board. Eventually the resolution, already quoted in another connection, was
passed unanimously, whereby a sum of £3,700 was voted for the purpose
required for the year 1906, on certain conditions which are set out in the
Appendix. It was further resolved that before considering any further
contributions the opinion of the Council of Agriculture shoula be requested as
to the best method of aiding Agricultural organisation in the future, ihe
question came before the Council of Agriculture in May, 1906, and was
adjourned to the meeting in November, when, after a full discussion, an amend-
ment to a resolution proposing the discontinuance of the grant was carried by
fifty -two votes to twenty-five. The terms of the amendment were as follows .

Minutes of Council
of Agriculture, Vol.
II., p. 11.

“ This meeting of the Council, having regard to the unanimous resolution of the Council
Meeting of 16th May, expressing the opinion that it is desirable that the Department should pio-
note agricultural organisation and provide the funds necessary for the purpose, recommends tha
die Irish Agricultural Organisation Society, which is the only existing body having a special
knowledge of this work, should he aided in carrying out an approved scheme of agricultural
srganisation, subject to effective supervision of all expenditure in connection therewi y '
Department, and that, with a view to stimulating contributions from Societies and subscribers,
and thus securing greater economy as well as evoking a greater measure ol local enor , 1
subsidy granted by the Department should be in the form of a pro rata contribution.

This amendment was put as a substantive motion, and adopted withou
a division.

While, therefore, there is apparently no difference of opinion in the
Council of Agriculture as to the great need of some system of agricultural
organisation for the purposes above-mentioned, there is an acute difference as
to whether the work of organisation should be carried out directly by the
Department, or whether, for the present at all events, the work should be

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carried on by the Organisation Society receiving pecuniary assistance from
the Department upon the conditions laid down by the Council, the most
important of which is that the subsidy granted by the Department should
be based upon the pro rata principle. This question appears to be settled
for the present by the decision of the Council of Agriculture.

A large amount of evidence was given before us both in favour of* and
adverse tot the policy and proceedings of the Irish Agricultural Organisation
Society, and the pecuniary assistance which, as above explained, has from time
to time been rendered by the Department to the Society, has been made
a ground for attack upon the Department. J A correspondence will be found
in the Appendix disclosing a difference of recollection between Mr. Gerald
Balfour and Mr. John Dillon, M.P., and to the intention and effect of the
acceptance by Mr. Gerald Balfour, when the Bill of 1899 was in Committee
of the House of Commons, of an amendment moved by Mr. Dillon, striking
out the express sanction contained in the Bill of the . application of the
endowment of the Department to financing such associations as the Irish
Organisation Society. There does not, however, appear to be any provision
in the Act which precludes the Department from contributing out of its
endowment to the funds of the Irish Organisation Society. The question is
entirely one of policy, and seems to be peculiarly one on which the opinion
of the Council of Agriculture should carry determining weight.

A full statement of the nature and object of the work of agricultural
organisation and of its vital importance to Irish agriculture, and a discussion
of 'the reasons in favour of and against the carrying on of this work by the
agency of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society, or by the direct action
of the Department, will be found in a Memorandum by Sir Horace Plunkett,
dated November 15th, 1906, circulated to the members of the CounciL of
Agriculture, and set out in the Appendix.

Appendix LIII.

Appendix XXX.

119. One of the main questions dealt with by the Irish Agricultural Agricultural
Organisation Society is, as has already been pointed out, the organisation of a 3g>

system of agricultural credit. Professor Campbell referred, m a passage already
quoted, to the existing system of credit as one of the worst possible descrip-
tion, and said that it was one of the principal difficulties which the Department
had to contend with. Mr. G. W. Russell, the Superintendent of the Russelli 14443>
Agricultural Credit Organisation, gave interesting evidence as to his branch
of the work of the Society. Credit is a necessity to the small farmer, and it
is the small farmer who has the greatest difficulty in finding adequate security,
and consequently has to pay most dearly for the requisite accommodation.

Mr. Russell quoted a particular case which he could not regard as other than
typical — where a loan of £5 obtained from a high class bank cost the farmer,
including the expenses of obtaining and retaining (for the purpose of
renewalf the necesssary sureties, no less than 42 per cent. A system
known by the name of its author, Raffeisen, a Prussian, and largely adopted
on the Continent, has prevailed widely in Ireland, and has been
hitherto very successful. A number of farmers, m a comparatively
small area, form themselves into a society, which is. registered under the
Friendly Societies’ Acts on the principle of unlimited liability. . I he district
within which the Society operates, and the number of members, is not larger
than is consistent with all the members of the Association beiug well known
to each other. No one is permitted to join the Society who is known to be
drunken or thriftless, or otherwise objectionable m point of character. The
Society commences operations by . borrowing a small sum, say, £100. As
the liability of the members is unlimited, and there is the practical, guarantee
of character above referred to, the Society has usually little difficulty in
obtaining a loan at three or four per cent. The Department, for instance,
often makes advances at three per cent. Frequently an overdraft is granted 14449
by a bank The money thus borrowed is utilised for small loans at five per
cent. Various arrangements made for securing and facilitating repayment 14457.
are detailed by Mr. Bussell. No attempt is made to earn a profit. The

*Rev. T. A. Finlay, 3552-3 ; Montgomery, 3388-91 ; Reeves, 13079-102 ; Small, 10274;
M'Clure, 10309; Lockhart, 10220-6 ; Meehan, Rev. J., 7023; Quin, Rev. B., 6309 ; Rushe,
10168-9. (See also Appendix LII.)

t M 'Donnell, 5759 ; Cleeve, 5850; Shaw, 5812.

x Vaughan, 5703 ; Lough, 12205-8 ; Hore, 10727-31; M'Donald, 4876-80; Shaw, 5812,
5815-7; M ‘Donnell, 5759; M'Inerney, 5867 ; Brennan, 11324.

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Russell, 14469.

14467.

993-7.

3360-91.

Transit.

officials are unpaid, and any difference between the rate of interest obtained
upon loans to members and that paid to the original lender of the canital
sum is utilised for increasing the amount available for loans. Mr. Bussell
gave some figures as to the growth of the system. The first of these
small banks in Ireland was organised in 1895. In 1906 there were 246.
The statistics for 1905 were as follows : —

Agricultural Bank Statistics for 1905.

Total number of Banks,
Membership,

Loan Capital and Deposits,
Number of Loans granted,
Amount of Loans,
Working Expenses, ...
Net Profit, ...

Reserve Pund,

231
13,035
£38,428
7,453
£43,741
£186 12 6
£431 8 5

£1,717 17 10

There were, in addition, twenty-five banks which had not sent in
returns.

These banks are organised for assistance to the poorer class of
farmers, and great success is claimed for them, especially in the poorest
districts of the West of Ireland. An essential condition of their success is
the honesty and good faith of the members of the Societies. Mr. Bussell
is able to say : —

“ During the ten years agricultural banks have been in existence in Ireland, in no single case
has a call been made on the members on the score of joint and several liability.”

At present the action of the Department in connection with agricultural
credit has consisted mainly in lending money to Societies of the Baffeisen type.
Mr. Gill, however, the Secretary of the Department, would like to see the
land improvement loans, at present under the control of the Board of Works,
transferred to the Department, at all events administered in “ close con-
nection with the system of our agricultural experts through the country, who
ought to be the proper advisers of the farmers on the one hand and the
lending department on the other.” Mr. Gill’s suggestion is an important one,
and deserves careful consideration.

Mr. Montgomery, who has extensive knowledge of the working of previous
systems of agricultural credit in Continental countries, considers that for the
establishment of a system really adapted to the needs of a country of small
cultivators, financial assistance by the Government is necessary, and gives a
most interesting account of the aid given for this purpose in various foreign
countries. He advocates that a similar course should be taken in Ireland,
and is of opinion that a system of financial aid by loans to agriculture of an
effective kind could be organised on sound financial principles; he thinks
that the experience of other countries confirms this view.

120. We concur in the view that the establishment of a sound system
ot agricultural credit, whereby a small farmer may obtain small loans at a
moderate interest, is of the most essential importance to agriculture, and that
the experience both of Ireland and of other countries points to the possibility of
the establishment of such a system. At present, great as has been the success
ot the societies organised by the I.A.O.S., a far more comprehensive system
seems required, and could' only be organised, if at all, by the aid of the
btate, after a very careful inquiry both as regards the principles and details
ot the scheme. We are satisfied that if such a scheme is to be successful,
and the evidence before us leads us to think it practicable, it must be based'
on sound economic principles. We believe that such State aid would be one
ot the most effective and useful forms of assistance to agriculture.

f iq’qg"- A ? 0t ^ er mo 4 e of assis . tance to agriculture contemplated by the Act
ot 1899 is by improving transit facilities. Section 30 of the Act of 1899
expressly includes in the expression “ the purposes of agriculture and other
ural industries, the “aiding or facilitating of the carriage and distribution of
produce, and Section 1 7 provides—

The Department may take such steps as they think proper—

maUe/fother^i'ari”;^ 8 c °“ pla “ a f t on behalf of any persons aggrieved in reference to any

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122, In order to carry out its powers given by the Act the Department Transit
availed itself of the services of two inspectors who were already employed Insp8Ctors -
under the Diseases of Animals Acts, the administration of which was by ^, eu p aragraph 216 .
Section 2 transferred to the Department. These inspectors had wide antre ’
•experience in transit work — looking after ships and railway trucks — and it was
therefore considered that it would be better to strengthen this staff than to

have another staff* of inspectors. It is the duty of the inspectors to see to the
methods of conveyance not only of live stock, but also of articles such as
butter and eggs, and the handling of produce generally so as to avoid as much
as possible damage in transit. Large butter and egg merchants are visited,

.and the nature of any complaints they have to make is ascertained. The
railway companies afford all possible facilities for the Department’s inspectors,
and it is stated that the result of their operations is an important diminution 3287.
in the claims for compensation for goods damaged in transit. Special com-
plaints are investigated, but the main business of the inspectors is to improve
methods of transit. It is said that the inspectors’ influence has often been felt cantreii’ am -29 ’
in obtaining acceleration of trains, increased number of steamships provided
with refrigerating compartments between Liverpool, Cork, and Waterford,
and obtaining refrigerator vans on railways.

123. There is only one case of action having been taken by the Department Action under
under Section 17. In that case the Department appeared in opposition to a can^ Traffic Ac
general rise of rates on a particular railway. The railway company isss.
abandoned the proposed rise. The intervention of the Department cost it

£1,000. It is obvious that the power given by Section 17 can only be used in 3299 .
exceptional cases, where some general interest is involved. But the possession
of such a power gives the Department a locus standi for making representa-
tions to railway companies, which it would not otherwise possess. Mr.

Cantrell, the Chief Clerk of the Department, who superintends this branch of
its business, told us that at the end of 1905 there had been 134 complaints 3304.
made to the Department in regard to railway rates on the ground of their
excessive character or otherwise, and that in forty-three of these cases the com-
panies were induced to grant reduced or through rates, in twenty-five refunds
of rates paid were made, and nine or ten cases were still pending.

Many witnesses complained of the hindrance to agriculture owing to the
•cost of transit by railway.* The Department has no jurisdiction other than
that already referred to in reference to this matter, and the whole question as to
the causes which ,c have retarded the expansion of traffic upon the Irish lines,
and their full utilisation for the development of the agricultural and industrial
resources of the country,” is at the present time the subject of inquiry by a
Vice-Regal Commission. A similar question is also now under the consideration
of the Royal Commission on Canal Traffic.

124. In November, 1905, a deputation of traders waited upon the Vice- P ffi cer resident
President and asked for the appointment of an officer, to reside in Great m ng an
Britain, to look after the interests of Irish agricultural produce. In
January, 1906, one of the Transit Inspectors of the Department, Lord Ikerrin, Iken ' in > 159G(J -
was appointed for this purpose. His principal duty is to detect frauds in
connection with the sale of Irish butter, eggs, bacon, or other produce. Lord
Ikerrin gave us some interesting information as to practices believed to be 15974-16014.
more or less prevalent of selling an inferior article consisting of foreign fats,
such as margarine, as Irish butter, and of the steps which are being
taken to counteract frauds of this kind. There is also said to be much
fraud in the sale of cheap foreign eggs as Irish. He has also in- 16015 '
vestigated the complaints by English merchants of supplies of Irish
produce being deficient in weight and quality with a view of testing
whether the complaint is well founded, and, if so, to what cause
the defective supply is due — whether to the default of the producer or
to damage in transit. It is also part of this officer’s duty to report to the
Department any information as to marketing Irish produce which may be of
use to the Irish producer. He has no compulsory powers. The work has 16002.
been going on for too short a time to enable us to form any opinion as to the

* Breen, Rev. M., 5328 ;
Whelan (App. LVIII.).

Hynes, 6204 ; Lee, Rev. T., 5396 ; Ennis, 11023-5 ; Erizelle, I

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Course of
Legislation.

Paragraph Gl.
Campbell, 15285

2 Kdw. VII., e. 3,
see. 2.

results which may be expected from it. It appears 1 ' consistent with (he practice
of Denmark and other foreign countries to hare an officer residing m Eng-
land to look after the interests of the trade of the producing country, and
Lord Ikerrin appears to justify this step as an experiment in- the- interests of
Irish trade. The Department will, in a year or two, be able to judge
better than now whether the present practice is- attended 1 with such
beneficial results as to justify its continuance.

3. Application of the Methods of tHe Department to the Congested
Districts of Ireland.

125. Section 18 of the Act of 1899 (subsequently repealed) was in the
following terms : —

“ The Department may at the request of the Congested Districts Board for Ireiand exercise
and discharge any of the powers and duties of that Board in or in relation to a congested districts
county, where the expenses thereby incurred are defrayed out of money provided by that Board
or by local authorities or from other local sources ; but no money placed at the disposal of the
Department by this part of this Act shall be applied in or in relation to a congested districts
county.”

The Congested Districts Board was established by the Purchase of Land
(Ireland) Act, 1.891, section 34. A “ Congested districts county” was by
section 36 (1) of that Act constituted where, at the commencement of the
Act, 20 per cent, of the population of a county Jived in electoral divisions of
which the total rateable value, when divided by the number of the population,
gave a sum of less than £1 10s. for each individual. Where this state of
things existed the electoral divisions were, for the purposes of the Act,
separated from the county in which they were geographically situated and
formed into a separate county called a congested districts county. The
electoral divisions where the conditions were as above described, together
with any addition or minus any extension made under powers given by
section 36 (2), constituted what has since been technically known , as the
Congested Districts. With the exception of relatively small portions of
counties Cork and Clare, the congested districts or areas thus formed were
situated in the seven counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Mayo,
Galway and Kerry. The effect, therefore, of the above provisions, so long as
section 18 of the Act of 1899 was in force, was that no portion of the
Endowment Fund of the Department could be spent in a “ congested districts
county.”

Local authorities have powers under the various Acts affecting technical
instruction to raise a rate for the purposes of the Act of 1899 over a rural
district. But here again a difficulty arose, for the rural district was not
co-extensive with the electoral district which formed the unit of the congested
area. There might be a rural district wholly non-congested, or wholly
congested. In that case no difficulty arose, because the rate could be raised
over and applied in the whole of the former district, but not at all in the
latter. The difficulty was serious in rural districts where part was congested
and part not. An endeavour was made by the Department and the Congested
Districts Board to get over the difficulty arising from the statutory incapacity
of the Department to expend any part of the joint fund in partly congested
districts by an arrangement described by Professor Campbell. In some
districts “ both the Department and the Congested Districts Board were at
work. The confusion became serious. The county committees could not
understand what they were about, and the people were wholly .mystified by
these proceedings, and it had the effect of acting to the detriment of our
work for many years.”

To put an end to this confusion the Agriculture and Technical
Instruction (Ireland) Act, 1902, was passed, empowering the Council of any
county containing the whole or part of a congested districts area to exclude
the congested portion of the county from the rateable area. This Act,
however, though still in force, has not been acted on, having been practically
superseded in the next year by Section 85 of the Irish Land Act, 1903, by
which section 18 of the Act of 1899, set out above, was repealed, thus
removing any legal difficulty in the Department expending its endowment
fund with the concurrence of the Agricultural Board in congested as well
as in non-congested areas.

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.126. The reasons for the repeal of Section 18 of the Act of L899, were
stated in a memorandum addressed by Mr. Wyndham, then Chief Secretary,
to the Vice-President, dated October 13, 1903. After stating that it was
the policy of the Government that the time and resources of the Congested
Districts Board should be concentrated on land purchase with special regard
to the relief of congestion by migration, amalgamation of .economic holdings
and cognate measures, Mr. Wyndham proceeded —

“ Parliament, therefore, decided in effect that the harriers between the scheduled Congested
Districts and the rest of Ireland should not in future prohibit the gradual transfer from, the Con-
gested Districts Board to the new Department of such work as the latter might advantageously
undertake and finance with the aid of local contributions with a view to the liberation of the
time and resources of the Congested Districts Board aud their closer concentration on the primary
work of purchase and the relief of congestion.

“ By using this phrase I am not to be understood as minimising the importance and necessity
of the woi-k carried out by the new Department. Excellent alike in conception and execution, it
has been attended by a success which reflects high credit on all concerned. It is secondary only
in. order of time and in the sense that it will fluctuate more largely when superimposed on the
primary work of purchase and the relief of congestion. In this appreciation of the aims and
achievement of the Department I desire to include the Council of Agriculture which has supported
its policy and the Agricultural and Technical Instruction Boards which have provided the
necessary funds for its execution.

“ For the present I propose that the Agricultural Department should take over the scheduled
Congested Districts in respect only of their agricultural schemes. To accompany this transfer
by a large diversion of income from the Congested Districts Board would be unnecessary and
destructive of the general policy which must be pursued.

“ As the primary work of the Congested Districts Board is . completed it will be possible and
proper to liberate its funds in aid of the secondary work of the Department. In the meantime
the Board will be willing to supplement the work of the Department where special cases of wide-
spread poverty call for special assistance. In addition to such special assistance in respect of agricul-
tural schemes the scheduled districts will still enjoy exceptional assistance in respect of industries
and fishing quite apart from the greater facilities for purchase and the relief of congestion afforded
by the Land Act of 1903. They will, however, surrender in respect of agricultural schemes a part
of their right to preferential treatment. It is proper that the Congested Districts Board should,
in common with the other Department, effect some economy to push forward the primary work to
which I have more than once referred.

“It is also fitting that the Agricultural Department should make, and the Agricultural
Board should concur, in a contribution to the same object by undertaking labours in a somewhat
larger field. I do not, however, suggest that the transfer should be effected without any financial
assistance. I propose that the Agricultural Department should take over, free of charge, the
stud, stallions, bulls, etc., now owned by the Congested Districts Board, and that the Congested
Districts Board should divert to the Department a sum of £2,000 per annum.

“The proposed transfer will not deplete the savings effected by the Agricultural Department
or frustrate the policy it has pursued. For, as the primary work of the Congested Districts
Board is completed, further funds will be available for pushing on the secondary work of agricul-
ture and technical instruction on a secure foundation.

127. It was evident, in view of the large amount which had been spent on
the work proposed to be transferred by the Congested Districts Board up to
the date of the transfer, that Mr. Wyndham’s suggestion would involve a larger
expenditure out of the endowment of the Department than would be met by
the proposed annual contribution of £2,000. Accordingly, at a meeting of
the Agricultural Board, in November, 1903, the matter was discussed, and
the Vice-President proposed that the Board should sanction the expenditure
of £5,000 in connection with the arrangement in question. The Board
concurred, and expressed their cordial approval of the scheme suggested by
the Chief Secretary, but placed on record their feeling that, whereas the
Endowment Fund was intended by Parliament to be applicable exclusively to
the non-congested areas of the country, and whereas the expenditure in
connection with the new work about to be taken over from the Congested
Districts Board must materially intrench on that fund, the deficit, in the
interests of the rest of the country, should be recouped at the earliest
possible date, in the manner referred to in the Chief Secretary’s memorandum,
■or otherwise.

128. At a meeting of the Board in March, 1904, the Vice-President stated
that the Department did not propose to effect at the outset any radical
change in the methods adopted by the Congested Districts Board. Such
changes as seemed desirable would be introduced gradually.

I 2

Transfer of
agricultural work
in congested
districts x,o
Department.

Minutes of Evidence,
15280.

Financial

Arrangements.

Agricultural work
of Congested
Districts Board.

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18214-97.

16220-7-

16228-40.

16233.

16237.

16240..

16242.

16244.

16260.

16254.

16264.

In order to explain the methods employed by the Department in the con-
gested districts after the transfer of the agricultural work of the Congested
District Board, and to consider whether they are well suited to the conditions
of that portion of Ireland, it is necessary to refer briefly to the agricultural
work done in these districts previously to 1904. This was described to us by
Mr. Thomas Porter, who was formerly Agricultural Superintendent of the
Land Commission. This branch of the Land Commission was transferred tO'
the Department of Agriculture in 1899, and Mr, Porter and the staff* were
transferred at the same time. Previous to this, while still at the Land Com-
mission, Mr. Porter had the superintendence and carrying out of the agricul-
tural schemes of the Congested Districts Board, and by arrangement between
the Congested Districts Board and the Agricultural Board he continued this
work for the Congested Districts Board until the transfer above explained,
when he became one of the Inspectors of Agriculture of the Department.
These details are mentioned because there seems to have been some strange
misconception with regard to the appointment of Mr. Porter by the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, and his salary.* He was transferred, as above stated, and,
of course, took with him the salary which he was receiving in the post from
which he was transferred and which has not since been altered.

It appears that the main difference between the system carried out by the
Congested Districts Board and that by the Department was that under th&
regime of the Board the administration of the system and disposal of the funds
were vested entirely in the central authority ; this, indeed, was inevitable. In
the first years of the existence of the Board there were no elective local
authorities in existence.

During the twelve years covered by Mr. Porter’s evidence the Board
placed 72 stallions and 1,026 bulls in the congested districts for service. The-
stallions remained the property of the Board, and a small fee was charged
for their use. The bulls were usually sold to farmers for two-thirds of their
cost on a system of deferred payments, with an obligation on the purchaser
to keep the bulls two years, subsequently extended to three. In the twelve
years the loss to the Board on the 1,026 bulls was £21,679. A similar method
was adopted for the supply of rams, boars, sows, and poultry. In each case
well-bred animals and fowls were supplied. In the case of poultry the plan
adopted was to place small flocks of pure breeds with suitable people, who were
to give eggs to small occupiers who applied for them.

“ At first the Board paid one penny for each egg given out ; after some years that -was-
reduced to one halfpenny, and eventually nothing was paid, but instead a small bonus was given
varying from 30s. to £2 or £2 10s. That was x-eally the best principle, because the other way
always tended more or less to fraud, which it was very difficult to keep in check.”

Mr. Porter is “ sorry to say he thinks the scheme did not do good.” He
excepts Donegal, where the Board went to considerable expense to improve
the breed of poultry. He states that the Board in 1897 had 65 poultry
farms, and issued about 65,000 eggs; in 1898 the corresponding figures were
88 farms, and 98,000 eggs; in 1900, 130,000 eggs were issued.

The Board usually had about eight or ten agricultural instructors
stationed at suitable places in the congested districts. The duties of the
instructors were somewhat similar to those of the county committee
instructors under the Act of 1899. Each instructor had a large district to
look after in which he controlled the working of example holdings, example
plots, and experimental plots, but he carried on his stock inspection in an
extended district. These instructors “ were not men who had passed through
a course of scientific agriculture, they were simply men we believed to be good
agriculturists ; they were the class of men, roughly speaking, who would have
made good land stewards or farm bailiffs.” A good many of them were Scotch.

One of the principal duties of the instructors was to instruct the people
in potato spraying. The utility of potato spraying was quickly recognised,
but, notwithstanding, there is, Mr. Porter tells us, great difficulty in getting
the people to do it. After a good year when there has been no disease, they
are very apt to neglect spraying the following year. There are every year a
number of spraying machines not used for want of trivial repairs. The
indifference of the people to precautions, the necessity of which they know so
well, is “ a curious thing.”

* Toal, 10144-59 ; Taylor, 9342-63 ; Bowling, Rev. P. J., 15556-63.

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129 . The transition from the system to which the congested districts had Action of the
been accustomed of receiving pecuniary assistance direct from the central Department '
authority, to that of the Department under which the working of county
schemes was in the hands of the local authority — the committee of the county
council — was by no means easy. A large sum, stated to have been about
£ 11,000 per annum, had been expended by the Congested Districts Board Doran, 15914.
previous to the transfer, upon the work in respect of which the Board, after
1903 , contributed only £ 2 , 000 .

The Department and the committees of county councils endeavoured Campbell, 15290.
in various ways to meet the needs of the congested districts. In the counties
containing congested district areas the Department raised its contribution
to the rates from 1 %d. to 1 \d. In this way, for every pound raised by the
rates the Department contributed to counties containing congested districts 30s.
as against 25s. to other counties. In the seven counties the number of premium 15292-
bulls under the county schemes was increased from 99 in 1903 to 143 in 1904
(the year the work was taken over), 154 in 1905, and 157 in 1906. The
corresponding figures of nominations for mares are 453, 664, 793, and 849 ; for 15297 -
premium boars, 44, 51, 92, and 118 ; for egg stations, 38, 77, 107, and 123.

The county committees endeavoured as far as possible to spread their
schemes over the whole county. The increases shown under the county
schemes after 1903 were mainly due to the extension of their operations to
the congested districts. The Department however found it necessary to
supplement the county schemes by aid given to these districts directly from
the Endowment Fund.

In 1904, in addition to the premium bulls under the county schemes, 15297 .
the Department allocated eight additional bulls, in 1905, 33, and in 1906, 1772 - 96 .

74. In 1905, 10 additional boars were supplied, in 1906, 23. There have 1820 - 2 .
also been a number of rams, asses, and horses supplied in a similar manner,
and those animals were dealt with in the same manner as under the county
schemes. They were on offer to the farmers of the district for purchase
at a low rate, with the facilities for advancing the purchase money which
has been before explained.

In the administration of these supplemental schemes the Department did
not draw a hard and fast line between the districts which fell within the
definition contained in the Act of 1891 above quoted, and the adjoining
districts, which, though not technically congested, were substantially in
a similar condition of poverty. The instructions given to the Department’s mi6.
Inspectors with regard to the bulls are to see that they are reserved for the
very poor districts, and that it was not necessary to insist that they should
be located actually within the area technically called congested. This
scheme, however, operates mainly in the congested counties, and within or
on the borders of the congested area. A few bulls are, however, placed in a
similar manner independently of the county schemes, where there is a similar
need, in the Glens of Antrim and Rathlin Island. Any bulls placed on or 16417 .
near the border of a congested district would be available for use both inside
and outside the congested district for the specially poor classes of people for 16423 ‘ -
whose assistance the congested district arrangements are intended.

Mr. Doran, a witness of high authority (Chief Land Inspector of the
Congested Districts Board), considers that both the Congested Districts Board 15735-46.
and the Department have been mistaken in confining themselves too exclu-
sively to the use of pedigree bulls in the congested districts. He takes the 15750-8.
same view with regard to horses, asses, and poultry. With regard to bulls
he would not place in the poorer districts high-bred pedigree bulls of the
Shorthorn, or even of the Aberdeen Angus, or Galloway breeds. The Short-
horn he considers not suitable for the congested districts at all ; the Aberdeen
Angus are suitable for the better parts of the congested districts, and the
Galloways for the poorest, but not if taken from herds brought to a high state
of perfection by forced feeding and extra care. The offspring of such high-
bred cattle will, in Mr. Doran’s opinion, not thrive, and many will not live on
the poor badly-farmed holdings in the congested districts. These views, Mr. 15742
Doran told us, had been brought before the Congested Districts Board by him
in his reports, but apparently that Board continued to do exactly what the 15750 .
Department is doing.

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7 0

Suitability of
pedigree stock
to congested
areas,

16426.

130. There seems, in fact, to :be a difference of opinion between high
authorities as to whether pedigree stock is or is not suitable for districts,
whose backward condition makes it difficult for the owner ot the sire to teed
him sufficiently well. On -the other hand, Professor Campbell points out
that the Department finds “no difficulty whatever in getting people to take
up these bulls. You will see the great increase that is going on.” *

The question ot' the comparative advantages qf encouraging the use for
breeding purposes of pure-bred stock only has been already referred to. One
of the difficulties of departing from this principle is to find any other sufticient
and workable test.

Suggested

alternative

methods in

congested

districts.

16812.

16912.

15814.

15816,

15826-36.

16814.

15867.

131. Mr. Doran gives the following picture of the causes of the poverty of
the poor agriculturist of the congested districts : —

“ One of the most frequent primary causes of their poverty is want of sufficient manure to grow
crops and keep their land in a productive state. Good tillage farming is impossible without
adequate manuring. Bad land cannot be permanently improved without good cultivation and
manuring. The small farmer here rarely tries to grow any crop except one Irish acre ot potatoes,
the same extent of oats, a 'plot of cabbage, and occasionally .a small plot of turnips. The cow or
two lie keeps are allowed to live as best they can in summer on the poor pasture of worn out land,
and in winter they are barely kept alive on the bad fare they get, consisting of straw and inferior
hay, without roots. His cattle are seldom thrifty or profitable, and those he sells are disposed of
at low prices. It requires a powerful influence to induce the people to .change their custom or_ to
do anythin" .for themselves in a different manner to that in which they always saw it done. But
if a modus operanii can be applied to them which will create a general desire to work to improve
their position, give them hope in their own efforts, and engender such a spirit of emulation as will
cause them to vie with each other in the improvement of their land and their homes, general
poverty will disappear from many of these. districts. It will not be sufficient to enumerate their
faults and failings and point out the remedy. All defects in their agricultural methods do not arise
from ignorance. Thousands of migratory labourers work year after year with the farmers m
England, on perhaps the best farmed land in the world, and yet they do not, and, with resources
now at their command, could not imitate the English system of culture on their own holdings.

Mr. Doran goes on to explain in detail his suggestions for remedying this
state of things, which, in his opinion, both the Congested Districts Board and
the Department have hitherto failed adequately to cope with.

“ 15824. I attribute the failure to bring about any apparent improvement in the agricultural
conditions of the congested districts to the employment of itinerant instructors, who were placed in
charge of such large districts that it was not possible for them to give the ; attention and assistance
to any particular locality which was necessary in order to induce the poor laudholders to follow
their advice and instructions. The men employed appeared to he highly trained agriculturists.

“ 15825. (Chairman .) — You are speaking now of the methods of the Board, as well as of the
Department 1 ?— Yes, and its relation to the Department. I cannot separate the two.

“ 15826. You cover both, and you are not suggesting thatany particular alteration was made by
the Department ?— The fault, I find, is that the Department has followed the same.

Mr. Doran, states that something like £140,000 lias been spent on
the agricultural schemes of the Congested Districts Board, . with, p 01 ! 1-
paratively speaking, little improvement effected.” His alternative plan is in
its main features as follows:— (l) To substitute for the itinerant instructor
“ district agriculturists to teach the farmers to cultivate their holdings in
the best manner” ; and (2) “ To make the teaching of agriculture a com-
pulsory subject in rural National Schools, and in connection with this
it would be advisable, where practicable, to have attached to each school
in the country districts a school farm or a school garden, or both.
Mr. Doran makes other main suggestions as to the means of improvement
of agriculture, and, amongst others, emphasises, the need of organisation,
both for purposes of supply and marketing. .With regard to Mr. Dorans
suggestion as to the employment of district .agriculturists instead of itinerant
instructors, if we understand his views correctly, it seems to be as follows
He suggests that a number of “ intelligent successful small farmers or trained
agriculturists, to be called district agriculturists,” should be selected, and that
to each one of these should be allotted .a district not larger than he could
closely . supervise in connection with the general agricultural development of
the district. He would be the agricultural instructor of the district. He
would be “ a local man.” Later in his evidence Mr. Doran gives a description

* See'figures on previous page, par. 129. We cannot agree with Mr. Doran’s criticism of these
figures, 15765, et seq. Inferences drawn from the application. of the system of averages to a new
method in its early stages seem to us liable to be fallacious.

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of the nature of the work he would do, of which organisation for supply
of seeds and manures and other requisites would form a considerable part. He
should live on a farm in his district, apparently either his own or one supplied
by the Department, and should keep suitable breeding stock for the locality.

He should have as foreman or assistant a young man who had passed through
his theoretical course, and has to acquire practical experience under him to
qualify for the office of instructor.

Mr. Doran suggests that tf one highly qualified man with scientific and 15867.
practical knowledge be placed in charge of each county, and that in each
parish the most enterprising and successful farmer, or a son of his, be selected
to manage his farm as an example holding, and to act as district agriculturist.”

Mr. Doran thought that there would be no difficulty in finding a suitable man
for this purpose in any parish. If Mr. Doran’s plan were carried out in its
entirety about 280 “district agriculturists” would be required. The farm 15876.
should be, if necessary, supplied at the expense of Imperial funds. Mr. Doran 15959.
was not prepared to give an estimate of the total cost, and has not furnished 15877 -
us since with any information on the subject. He stated, however, that apart
from capital expenditure, each centre could not be maintained under £100
annual expenditure.

The other point suggested by Mr. Doran, referred to above is : —

“ To make the teaching of agriculture a compulsory subject in rural National Schools, and 15823 .
for this purpose have attached to each school in country districts a school farm and garden.”

With regard to the attaching of school gardens to National Schools
there is very general concurrence in this view. The subject has been already
discussed. The question of the compulsory teaching of agriculture and
the provision of school farms stands on a very different footing. We have see paragraph 76.
already referred to the experience of the provision and working of school
farms.’ Mr. Doran’s suggestion is to give the Department powers to acquire i 5882 .
any area of land up to the rateable value of £10. He thinks, however, that
the “ farm should be a small one, of about up to £5 value.” The teacher would 15884.
be the ma nager of the farm. If not too old, he “ should be obliged to take up a
science course similar to that now required for the agricultural instructors.”

The schoolmaster would work the farm himself in afternoons after
school hours, and on Saturdays, and would employ what other labour was
necessary. The children beginning, say, about ten years of age, would be
taken out for about half an "hour three times a week to work on the farm.

The farm would be managed as an “ example holding ” for the neighbourhood. 15887.

The schoolmaster would be allowed to take the profits of the farm for his own
benefit.

Mr. Doran was asked several questions in order to test whether this 15927.
plan could be made practicable consistently with the necessary arrangements 15953 -
of an elementary school. We cannot sav that he satisfied us that, apart from
the question of cost, the plan he proposed was a workable one, or likely to be
attended with successful results.

As regards Mr. Doran’s suggestion of substituting for the itinerant 15812.
instructor the “ district agriculturist, ” it is worth observing that though
apparently a similar proposal was laid before the Congested Districts Board
by Mr. Doran in April, 1892, no attempt appears to have been made by the
Board to act upon it, even by way of experiment.

Mr. Doran’s evidence was primarily confined to the special measures
required by the circumstances of the congested districts. But if his view of
the value of itinerant instruction, and of the desirability of establishing school
farms is correct, his conclusions seem to be applicable to the whole of rural
Ireland, and would involve a change of far-reaching character in the system

of agricultural training.

132. We think that the evidence laid before us shows that Mr. Doran Review of
underrates — and to some extent misapprehends — the part which the system alternative
of itinerant instruction has played in relation to agriculture during the last four proposa s -
or five years. There is force in Mr. Doran’s criticism that the drawback to this
system is the difficulty of one man adequately satisfying the requirements of
the large area he has to deal with, and the danger that lectures taken alone are
apt not to be appreciated or understood by the persons to whom they are
addressed. But Mr. Doran appears wholly to disregard the practical side of
the work of the itinerant agricultural instructor with which we have dealt

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15806.

16408.

Minutes of Proceed-
ings, Vol. I., p. 39.

See paragraph 70.

Financial
arrangements
for congested
areas.

15912.

Paragraphs 126-12!

Paragraphs 287-2

at leno-th in the earlier part of this report. The evidence which is summarised
in the Memorandum annexed to this Report appears to us, when fairly con-
sidered. to be inconsistent with Mr. Doran’s view. The complaint oi the local
authorities is more frequently, not that the instruction is bad or useless but
that there is not enough of it, that instructors cannot be got, and that it is
difficult to retain them. Considering the short time that any effective system ot
training of instructors has been at work, we think that the amount ot success
which the evidence shows that method to have attained is at once surprising
and gratifying. We cannot see why a method which has been attended with
a considerable degree of success in the poor districts of other parts of Ireland
should fail in the congested districts. No doubt there are special difficulties.
The transfer of the work had been in force little more than two years before the
date of this Inquiry. It was a transfer to a Department possessed of smaller
resources available for the purpose, and these resources mainly administered
by the Local Authority instead of by the Central Body. A special cause of
difficulty and unpopularity was thus created. But there is reason to think that
those difficulties are being gradually overcome, and, given time, and with the
adequate resources and such special arrangements as seem to be required to
meet the special needs of these very poor districts, we see no reason why the
methods of the Department should not succeed in the congested districts
as in other parts of Ireland.

There is much force in Mr. Doran’s argument that under present arrange-
ments it is difficult for the members of the committee residing in remote parts
of the western counties of' Ireland, such as Belmullet in Mayo, to attend
fixed meetings of the committee, and consequently that the special require-
ments of such places often are not brought sufficiently before the committee.
Professor Campbell explained to us the measures which the Department is
taking to meet difficulties of this kind by the encouragement of the formation
of local committees in order that the special requirements of any district may-
be brought before the county committee and the Department. I he Council
of Agriculture also passed a resolution with this object on the 14th Novem-
ber, 1905. The inspector of the Department _ who is charged with the
administration of the special scheme has the special duty of dealing with the
requirements of each district in such matters— for instance, as tne location ot
bulls, and similar assistance.

Whether any power of delegation of functions to such local committees
could be adopted is probably a question which may have to be dealt with
when such committees have been longer established and their work is better
understood ; but it would, in our opinion, be premature to recommend the
legislation which would be necessary for this purpose at present.

133. There remains the question as to whether the Department requires
additional funds to enable it to deal adequately with the districts which are
“congested” within the meaning of the Act of 1891. We think a strong
case is made out for additional funds for this purpose. It must be remembered
that the Congested Districts Board had, up to the transfer of the work m
1904, spent a sum, stated to be as much as £140,000, in agricultural schemes
for the congested districts. At the time of the transfer the amount of
expenditure was stated by Mr. Doran to be £11,000 per annum ; under Mr.
Wyndham’s arrangement, the Department is in receipt of £2,000 per annum
in respect of this work. In addition to this, there is so much of the Joint
Fund as is applicable to the congested districts under the various county
schemes. What we think the Department can fairly claim _ is that the
Endowment Fund should be relieved of any expenditure which is reasonably
required for supplementary schemes, in addition to the £2,000 per annum
from the Congested Districts Board, and the amount applicable under the
Joint Fund to the congested districts. We think that any supplemental
grant of this kind should be subject to reconsideration at such intervals as
would allow for the possible advance of these areas towards better conditions.
We deal with this matter in more detail under the head Finance.

But after all it is a dreary prospect if the inhabitants of these districts are
always to be dependent for the necessities of a proper standard of living upon
Public Funds. A great effort is being made at present to place them in a con-

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dition in which they will be no longer so dependent. With this effort
— the increase and revision of the holdings — this Inquiry has nothing to do.
It is, however, the duty of the Department to adopt the best methods of
fitting the agriculturist to take advantage of his new opportunities. If he
fails in this his last state may be worse than the first. So far as we can
judge, the methods framed on the best practice of Continental countries,
which are, in our opinion, working with satisfactory promise of success in
other parts of Ireland, afford, if supplemented in the way we have described,
the best prospect of meeting the needs of the congested districts. We
cannot recommend that new and untried methods should be established in
their place.

Other Rural Industries.

134. By Section 16 (1) ( g ) of the Act of 1899 the surplus of the
Endowment Fund is, subject to the concurrence of the Agricultural Board,
to be applied to the purposes of •“ Agriculture and other rural Industries or
Sea Fisheries.”

Section 30 provides that the expression “ the purposes of agriculture and
other rural industries ” includes the aiding, improving, and developing of
agriculture, horticulture, forestry, dairying, the breeding of horses, cattle,
and other live stock and poultry, home and cottage industries, the cultivation
and preparation of flax, inland fisheries, and any industries immediately
connected with and subservient to any of the said matters and any instruction
relating thereto, and shall also include the aiding or facilitating of the carriage
and distribution of produce.

The terms of this definition show that the enumeration of the
various special industries in the sub-section is not intended to exclude other
industries falling under the same category though not specially mentioned
therein. But, according to the ordinary canons of the construction of an Act
of Parliament, it seems that an industry to be within the terms of the section,
and therefore qualified to receive aid, improvement, or development from the
Endowment Fund, must be “ immediately connected with and subservient
to any of the matters previously mentioned.” A good illustration of this is
found in the box-making or fowl-trussing, and probably the jam, fruit-
drying, and cider industries above referred to.

W e have already dealt specially with most of the matters mentioned in
this section. Of these not hitherto touched on — Forestry, Home and Cottage
Industries, and Inland Fisheries are the most important. Of these, by the
organisation of the Department, Home and Cottage Industries fall under the
Technical Instruction Branch, and will be referred to under that head.

135. Before considering how the powers of the Department for the aiding,
improving, and developing of Forestry have, so far, been exercised, it is
necessary to state shortly the position of the State with regard to Forestry
previous to the passing of the Act of 1899. It is also necessary to bear in
mind the distinction drawn by Professor Campbell between Forestry on a
large scale, involving the planting and management of woods for profit, and
the planting by occupiers for shelter and ornament.

Prior to the establishment of the Department, the sole connection of the
State with Forestry was through the Commissioners of Public Works and
the Congested Districts Board.

136. It might be thought from their title that the Commissioners of Woods
and Forests had something to do with Forestry in Ireland. No doubt they
had powers in that direction, but in Ireland, at least, they were never
exercised.

By the Crown Land Act, 1829, certain properties and revenues of the
Crown in England, Wales, and Ireland, including all forests, chases, woods,
parks, &c., were placed under the management of the Commissioners of
Woods. Powers were given to purchase lands and fuel rights, rights of
common, or other rights extending over any lands, to sell possessions and
revenues other than Royal forests, and to sell or exchange parts of forests
under certain conditions. Sums arising from sales, exchanges, or leases in
Royal forests were to be applied in purchase of such rights as above men-

Definition of
Rural Industries.

Paragraphs 101, 113.

Paragraphs 199-201
Forestry.

1823.

Commissioners
of Woods and
Forests.

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§ 113.

Soott Kerr, 6082.

Commissioners
of Public Works.

Congested
Districts Board.

Porter, 16279-81.
16273-8/

16282.

Department’s

action.

Campbell, 1823-43.

1841.

Campbell ,1841.

tioned, and of any lands or other hereditaments in the forests and in main-
taining the forests. Sums arising from sales, &c., other than of forests, were
to be applied in the purchase of any manors, messuages, lands, or other
hereditaments, and monies not immediately required for any of the purposes
specified were to be invested as directed, and dividends to be applied in
same manner as income. The income was to be applied in payment of
the expenses of and attending the management of their possessions and land
revenues and in other ways, and, subject to the applications specified, the
surplus was to be paid to the King and his successors. Under subsequent
legislation the surplus is paid into the Treasury. There were no Royal
forests in Ireland which vested in the Commissioners of Woods under the
Act of 1829, and, save as to the one instance next referred to, no lands appear
to have been purchased by them in Ireland for Forestry or for any other
purpose.

According to the last annual Report of the Commissioners, the yearly
revenue from Ireland was £32,700, and for eight years ending 31st March,
1905, the capital sums received for redemption of Quit and Crown Rents
was £118,725. It appears that none of the capital monies has been expended
in Ireland, except £3,000 for the purchase of some land adjoining the Phcenix
Park, and £1,200 for the redemption of a Head Rent near the Curragh.

137. The functions of the Commissioners of Public W orks as regards Forestry
were confined to making loans for improvements (including planting for
shelter) to owners in fee and limited owners under Land Improvement Loans
Acts ; and, under the Land Law (Ireland) Act, 1881, §31, to companies or to
occupiers of land for improvements, among which, by § 20 of 46 and 47 Viet.,
c. 43, the planting of trees is to be included.

138. The powers given to the Congested Districts Board within the area of
their operations were substantially the same as those conferred on the Depart-
ment, and authorised them “ to take such steps as they think proper for,
amongst other things, ‘ aiding and developing forestry.’ ” The Congested
Districts Board have mainly confined their efforts to the encouragement
of planting for shelter by small occupiers Only one attempt at Forestry
on a large scale was made — the planting of Knockboy, which had been
begim prior to the formation of the Congested Districts Board, and was
continued by that body. For the reasons and under the circumstances
mentioned by Mr. Porter, the project was not a success. This preliminary
failure and the difficulty of dealing with the grazing and other rights extend-
ing over almost all the waste land suitable for planting, appear to have
prevented further efforts in this direction by the Congested Districts Board.

139. The steps taken by the Department for aiding, improving, and
developing forestry, so far, have been : —

1. The issue and distribution of leaflets on forestry subjects, such as
the planting of waste lands, the proper method of planting forest trees, trees
for poles and timber, trees for shelter and ornament, planting, management
and preservation of shelter belts and hedge row timber, the management
of plantations, felling and selling of timber, &c.

2. Special courses on forestry to agricultural and horticultural
instructors to enable them to advise occupiers as to planting, and to
superintend planting operations.

3. Distribution through county committees of forest trees at whole-
sale prices.

4. Establishment of a forestry station at Avondale for the training
of foresters in practical forestry, and the appointment of a highly qualified
expert principal whose services are available to visit districts in which
planting- is about to be undertaken by private owners or public bodies, and
to help in the preparation of working plans and the management of woods.

, , 5, The Department has appointed a Forestry Advisory Committee at

he instance of the Agricultural Council, and the following resolutions were
passed by that Committee : —

^ S 1S Co T llttee are of option that the work of afforestation in Ireland as a general
T f f r h ° le f h0uld be undertaken by or under the supervision of the State,
and that the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction and the County Councils should

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be provided with adequate funds and powers for the purpose. . That this Committee endorse the
suggestion made by the Council of Agriculture ; that. Irish Quit and Crown Rents should.be
utilised in forming a fund for the development of Forestry in Ireland ; that the
Committee are of.' opinion that special encouragement is justified in the case
of private owners who undertake tree-planting, inasmuch as the profits of such
planting, unlike the profits of ordinary crop cultivation, are enjoyed by succeeding genera-
tions, and not by the actual planters ; that in order to give encouragement to private owners to
undertake tree-planting such alterations should be made in the Land Improvement Act as will
enable advances for planting to be made when such planting is for purposes other than shelter ;
that in case of such advances, and in order to secure, as far as possible, that the planting shall be
of permanent value where the borrowers are prepared to carry out their planting under the advice
and to submit their plantations to the periodic inspection of the Department of Agriculture and
Technical Instruction, an abatement of interest on loans advanced for this purpose should be made
during the period of the loan so long as the plantation is made to the satisfaction of the Depart-
ment ; that with a view to the preservation of existing plantations, the Committee are of opinion
that amendments should be introduced into the Land Purchase Acts to the effect that plantations
over a certain size, the limits to be determined by the Estates Commissioners, should be reserved
from sale and vested in County Councils or other public authority, or if sold to tenants vested in
them under restrictions as regards felling or injury.”

The preservation of existing woods is a matter which calls for immediate Preservation of
attention, and we concur in the above suggestion of the Advisory Committee existing Woods
on this subject. The earliest opportunity should be taken of conferring on
the Estates Commissioners the requisite powers and of giving to county
councils the corresponding powers as mentioned in paragraph 141 below.

140. The steps taken by the Department above detailed for the Private Planting,
encouragement of planting by individuals appear to us to .be on right lines
and to be proceeding satisfactorily. We agree however, in the suggestion Moeran, 11940.
that the forestry leaflets might, with advantage, be of a more attractive and
interesting character.

We are also of opinion that all restrictions which prevent the issue of Loans for
loans to private owners for planting, when such planting is not merely for Planting,
shelter, should be removed. _ _ _ Montgomery, 3360,

It is a question well worthy of consideration whether the administration Gillj 993>
of loans for planting should not be vested in the Department of Agriculture
instead of in the Board of Works as at present. Future planting by private
owners wil l probably be undertaken under the advice either of the Department’s
Chief Forestry Expert or of the Agricultural or Horticultural Instructor, and.it
appears to be desirable that the authority under whose auspices planting wall
be undertaken, and which is, through its instructors, placed now in almost, every
county, in a position to supervise the operations of planting and the future care
and management of the woocls, should also be the authority responsible for the
issue of the loans.

We learned in the course of our Inquiry that the services of the instructors
are being extensively availed of by occupiers planting for shelter and Campbell, 1823,
ornament, and that in the year 1905 to 1906 alone half a million of trees had
been supplied through the county committees.

141. The Irish Land Act, 1 903, enables loans to be made to trustees approved Planting by
of by the Land Commission in the case of the sale of an estate for the public bodies,
purchase of parcels thereof for the purpose, inter alia, of the planting of
trees or the preservation of woods and plantations. The Department has Campbell, 1843
obtained the opinion of the Law Officers that county councils may be
trustees for the purposes of that section. This makes it possible for the
council of any county, on the sale of an estate, to have vested in them
parcels of land for planting, or if already planted for preservation, subject to
a land purchase annuity as in the Act provided, upon such terms and con-
ditions, and with such rights and powers as may be specified in a scheme
passed by or approved of by the Lord Lieutenant.

So far, Kildare is the only county which is taking advantage of these
provisions, and negotiations have been proceeding for some time with a view
to the acquisition of two parcels — one of about 500 acres (King’s Bog
Common) and the other of 100 acres (Brackney Wood) — for purposes of
afforestation. The difficulties of dealing with the grazing and other rights of
occupiers have, so far, prevented the realization of these projects, but one
small wood of thirty-three acres (Loughtown), of which a free gift was made
by the owners on the sale of the estate, has been already taken over by the
council and is under its management.

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Afforestation

Scott Kerr, 5078.

Campbell, 1827-41.

Avondale
Forestry Station.
Campbell, 1823.

Scott Kerr, 5076.

We think the provisions of Sections 4 and 20 of the Irish Land Act,
1903, should be made expressly applicable to county councils, and that
power should be given to make advances to those bodies, not only for the
purchase of the land, but also for the capital expenditure in planting, fencing,
and draining on the same terms as other advances for the purposes of that
Act.

142. All the witnesses who have referred to the subject of forestry have
concurred in urging the great necessity that exists in Ireland for State aid to
afforestation, both on the larger and the lesser scale. The grounds put forward
may be thus summarised — that Ireland, once rich in forests, is now denuded
and bare of woods to a greater extent than any European country ; that
there is a comparatively vast area of little use for any other purpose which
could be profitably utilised for timber ; that benefits would ensue to climate,
health and industrial employmen t ; that it would tend to equalise temperature
and rainfall, conserve moisture for springs and rivers, and prevent floods. It
was also pointed out that, owing to the operation of land purchase, a process
of further denudation is now going on by vendors of land before, and by
purchasers after, the completion of the transfer.

The report of the Departmental Committee appointed in 1902 to inquire
into forestry in Great Britain (quoted in Mr. Scott Kerr’s evidence) * applies
with equal, if not greater, force to Ireland, by reason of its greater bareness of
trees, its larger proportion of waste land suitable for planting, and the want of
winter employment for so large a part of its rural population, whilst the con-
ditions of soil and climate for the production of timber commercially valuable
are at least as suitable. The witnesses representing the Irish Forestry
Society manifested great impatience with the Department for not having
sooner embarked upon a policy of afforestation upon a large scale. The report
above referred to deprecates too much haste in instituting schemes of affores-
tation, and the case of Knockboy is an example of the evil which may be
done by hasty or ill-considered action. The great obstacles, however, which
have stood in the way of a policy of afforestation on a large scale are the
want of sufficient funds and the absence of powers to purchase compulsorily
the interests of tenants and the grazing and other rights of occupiers. The
demands upon the Department’s funds for purposes of more immediately
practical importance to agriculture than forestry, and, above all, for agricul-
tural education, are more than sufficient to exhaust the existing funds. Little
land suitable for planting is available which is not affected by grazing or other
rights of a character which can only be extinguished through the medium of
compulsory powers, and if afforestation in Ireland is to be a reality the Depart-
ment charged with the work must be supplied with sufficient funds specifically
applicable to that object, and with ample power to deal with all rights affecting
the land.

143. In anticipation of a demand for trained foresters, the Department has
established a forestry station at Avondale (the residence and demesne of the
late Mr. C. S. Parnell) for the training of young men as working foresters.
Particulars as to the manner in which the lands and residence are being used
and as to the course of instruction will be found in Professor Campbell’s
evidence. The Department is condemned by the Irish Forestry Society
for its action in forming the School of Forestry on the grounds that
the money so expended might be more profitably spent in sending
candidates to Scotch, English, or German forest schools ; that the
instruction given is inadequate and premature ; and that Avondale,
with comparatively high-class, deep loam soil, is not a suitable locality
for training men whose work is supposed to be on bog lands and mountains.
Scotland has no. school of forestry. In England there is nothing between
Oxford University and Dean Forest school, which is on similar lines to
Avondale. Oxford is only fitted for the highest grade instruction in theory.
The language difficulty would be a barrier to sending Irish pupils to Germany.
Moreover, the objection to Avondale by reason of the character of its soil, if
rt be a valid objection, which we think it is not, applies with equal force to
English or German schools, and there would be in addition the difference of
climate and environment from those on which the pupils work in Ireland
* Parliamentary Paper [Cd. 1319.]

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would have to be done. As to the alleged inadequacy of the instruction, no
grounds were given beyond the general statement of the witness.

On the whole, we cannot endorse the strictures in this regard of the
Forestry Society. If the valuable propagandist work which that Society is
doing meets with the success which it deserves, there should be a vast increase
in private and public planting, and a demand must consequently arise tor
the services of trained foresters. If the Department had failed to make
provision for the supply of this demand with men trained m Ireland, tne
Society would have had a much more well-founded cause of complaint.

The general question of the need of a large expenditure of public money
and the conditions of such expenditure for the afforestation of Ireland lie
beyond the scope of the present Inquiry. It is not, in our opinion, possible
that, with the means at present at the disposal of the Department and the
multitude of claims upon its resources, it should undertake this work on a
comprehensive scale. . . „ . . i c

We deal with Inland along with Sea Fisheries m the next head ot this

Report.

144. An important question has arisen — whether such industries as mining or Mmmg and
quarrying fall within this subjection— whether, in short, the Department is parrying,
entitled to assist these industries — or whether the limits which are imposed
with regard to technical instruction apply. If they are not within the above
definition the Department is precluded from giving assistance otherwise than
by means of technical instruction. This question appears to have arisen
upon a project brought forward by the Department in 1902 for .making loans
in approved cases for industrial purposes. The immediate object seems to
have been the starting of new industries in Ireland, especially m the rural

districts. . • n

It appears to have been contemplated that for certain purposes, especially am, 1144 - 52 .
to supply the want of capital for the purchase of machinery, loans should be
granted upon certain conditions laid down in the memorandum set out
in the Appendix. The question was discussed by the Board The opinion Append* lxyii.
was generally expressed, that the question of loans to individuals presented
so many difficulties that it was not desirable to come to a decision on
the point. It was found, on reference to the legal advisers of the
Department, that the proposed system of loans was beyond the powers ot the
Department. The Department was advised that the industries which it was
desired to assist, whether they were carried on in the country or not, were
not rural industries within the meaning of the Act. This view would
apparently apply to such industries as mining or quarrying. lime m ^ us ~
tries, though carried on in the country districts, do not appear to fall within
the terms of the definition in Section 30. Apparently the only assistance
which, under the Act of 1899, the Department can render such industries is

by way of technical instruction.

145, When it was ascertained that its powers were limited in the way *g^°®f d ^“ end
indicated, the Department was anxious for legislation to delete the word ‘ rural Q . u 2562
in Section 16 (1) (g). If the word “ rural ” were struck out, by the combined
operation of that sub-section and of the definition above quoted, the Act
would empower the Department, with the concurrence of the Agricultural
Board, to apply its Endowment Fund to the aiding, improving, and develop-
ing of industries generally, whether rural or urban.

The question as to the desirability of giving such a large extension of
powers to the Department, involving, if the powers were as freely exercised as
the advocates of the proposal contemplate, a very large addition to the
financial resources of the Department, has been much discussed before us,
chiefly in connection with the provisions of the Act relating to Technical
Instruction. Here it is enough to say that we are not prepared to recommend
such an alteration of the Act as is suggested. There is no diflerence ot
opinion as to the great need of an extension and development of Irish indus-
tries. The doubt'is — how far and within what limits is it possible or desirable
for the Department to aid in their development by the employment ot
public funds.

146, The Act of 1S99 has given very large powers to the Department as state assistance
regards Agriculture and Industries cognate to Agriculture, and Sea Fisheries, to Industries.

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Paragraph 120.

Paragraphs 204, 205.

Provisions of Act
of 1899.

Inspectors of
Fisheries.

Fishery

Legislation.

8624.

Bye-laws.

8625.

3671.

3641-3.

3771.

3635.

3637.

Endowment

Fnnd.

It has 'not .gone to the same length as regards other industries' ■ Ought this
distinction to bn removed, and the Department given a free hand as regards
the latter class of industries as well as the former ? In the case of Agriculture
and Fisheries the question of pecuniary assistance by way of loans or otherwise
has relation to an industry of a national character. The whole country is
interested directly or indirectly in the prosperity of these great industries.
Improvement in the breecis of cattle, in tillage, in butter-making, in the
production and disposal of fruit, are matters of such general interest that
they seem to be legitimate objects of State aid properly administered.

The object in this case is not to render special pecuniary assistance to
any one individual or body ot persons, but to raise the level of the whole
industry by methods of general application, such as those we have endeavoured
to describe.

The same object in the case of other industries might be attained by the
establishment of a well-considered system of affording industrial credits under
suitable safeguards. We have already expressed our opinion in favour of
such a system in the case of agricultural credit, and we see no reason why it
should not . be equally applicable in the case of industries generally. If,
however, this were carried out on the scale necessary, it should not, we think,
be dealt with by a Department whose functions in relation to industries
are essentially educational. W e return to this question in dealing with that
part of the Act which relates to Technical Instruction.

Fisheries.

. 147. By Section 2 (1) ( i ) the powers and duties of the Inspectors of Irish
Fisheries were transferred to the Department of Agriculture and Technical
Instruction ; and by Section 3, from the date of the transfer, the Inspectors
were transferred and attached to the Department as officers thereof, and
provision was made for assigning to one Inspector the performance of such
of the duties under the existing Fisheries Acts as might be declared by an
Order in Council of the Lord Lieutenant to be of a judicial character.

148. Under these provisions, set out in full in the Appendix, Mr. W. S. Green
and Mr. D. H. Lane became Inspectors of Fisheries under the Department. Mr.
Green acted as Chief Inspector, and was invested with the.“ judicial ” duties
above referred to.

149. In 1842 the existing Irish Fisheries Acts were consolidated. Since the
Consolidation Act of that year no less than 43 Acts have been passed affecting
Irish Fisheries. Mr. Green would like to see another Consolidation Act
passed.

150. Before the Act of 1899 the powers and duties of the Fishery Inspectors
were to make bye-laws, rules, and regulations for the Fisheries, the collection of
statistics, supervising the Boards of Conservators all through Ireland, and the
enforcement of bye-laws and protection of the rivers. These powers continue
as before, but are now exercised in the name of the Department. The
responsibility for the judicial duties rests with the Inspectors, and for the
administrative duties with the Department. These bye-laws are subject to
the approval of the Privy Council. There is a power to hold inquiries. The
Department, acting through the Chief Inspector, has for this purpose all the
powers of a Court of Justice. The distinction between “ judicial” and other
bye-laws appears to be somewhat arbitrary. The term appears to mean a
bye-law, the violation of which constitutes a criminal offence. An Order in
Council made under Section 3 specifies the duties which are regarded as
judicial The distinction does not appear to be based on any definite principle,
and in the revision of the Fishery Laws, which seems to *be required, some
clearer definition of the powers and duties of the Inspectors would be desirable.

Sea Fisheries.

l, 6 (1 IW allotted an annual sum of £10,000 out of the Endow-
ment h und of the Department for the purposes of Sea Fisheries. By (q) of

surnCn/th' 8 ^ !?“ bea f? er ; es were “eluded « the objects to which the
suiplus of the Endowment Fund might be applied

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152. Before the establishment of the Department it was the duty of the Fishe^Loans m
inspectors to administer certain funds for the purpose of fishery loans. This Diatri “
system has, according to Mr. Green, been going on for a hundred years, • with 3(J25
the greatest success.” The loss has been very small, and the benefit to the
fishermen very great. During the seventeen years preceding the establishment 3648.
of the Congested Districts Board in 1891, the amount of loans issued by the
Inspector of Fisheries from the Irish Reproductive Loan Fund was £104,297.

The loss by bad debts was £l per cent., “ and a lot of these bad debts occurred
from people dying or the boats being lost.” There was also a Sea and
Coast Fisheries Loan Fund, from which, during the same period, loans tor
£38,135 were issued — the bad debts were not fivepence. per £100.. lhe
portion of the loan’s fund which was administered by the inspectors since the
establishment of the Congested Districts Board has, during the last fifteen
Years, furnished loans amounting to £36,762 — the bad debts only came to £1
ner cent, on that sum. At the date of the establishment of the Congested 3653.

Districts Board in 1891 the inspectors had in hand from the two funds
above-mentioned £93,000. Of this £73,000 was transferred to the Congested sec t. 35 (4).
Districts Board to be administered in congested areas.

There remained, therefore, for the purpose of the development of fisheries
elsewhere than in congested districts £20,000 from the above-mentioned funds,

£10,000 under Section 16 (l) (cl) of the Act of 1899, and any sums allotted
under (g) of the same sub-section from the endowment fund of the Department.

Though the sphere of the operations of the inspectors as regards loans was
much curtailed, and the available amount reduced after the establishment of
the Congested Districts Board, loans still continued to be made to a consider-
able extent. The security is usually personal security. This system seems 3649.
to work best where there is a mixed community of fishermen and farmers,

“ because it is generally possible in such a community to find persons possessed 3654 -
of sufficient property ready to assist their neighbours by giving
security.” The loans that are required, it must be remembered, are compara-
tively large, being usually for the purchase of a boat and fishing gear and
erection of curing houses. Where fishermen live by themselves apart from the
farming or commercial class there is more difficulty in their finding security. 3654
The difficulty is to some extent got oyer by taking the boat for which the loan 8664.
is granted as security. Mr. Green told us that during the last five years the
loans applied for in the non-congested districts were 714, and of these 653
were recommended.

153. Besides the administration of the funds for the purposes of loans, the harbours.
Department has also to deal with the building of piers andharbours mthe non- 3n6<
congested districts. It is hardly matter of surprise that there are numerous
applications for assistance of this kind. County Clare is the only county on
the west coast of Ireland which has no congested area.

In 1902 the Vice-President and Mr. Green undertook a survey of the La..e, 14732.
whole West Clare coast, and in conjunction with local authorities inspected
places for sites of piers. The coast of Clare is rock-bound and “ absolutely
unsheltered from the Atlantic sea.” The fishing is entirely^ carried on by
canvas canoes, which arc hauled up out of reach of the sea. To create any
harbours where modern boats could be used would mean an expenditure of 14*34.
thousands of pounds in Clare. All that seems reasonably possible is to make
certain minor improvements. There seems, in fact, to be no possible fishery ,
having regard to the character of the coast, which would justify the building
of harbours on a large scale. Contributions were offered by the Department
to local authorities, but under the law as it exists at present the County
Council cannot contribute to any new work the total cost of which exceeds £450,

This disability is noted by us below, and seems to be a great obstacle to the ^

undertaking of useful work. The want of piers and harbours m Clare is 6 * 366> *
commented on by the witnesses named in the margin. Demands are also
made for instructors in net-making and fish-curing. The absence of o-Loghiin, 5464-75.
railway facilities is also a great drawback to the development of the fishery Breen, 5354.
industry in Clare. . .

Antrim, too, and Down ask for more assistance in the development of
their fisheries.*

* Antrim, Turtle, 8853 • McConnell, 8835-8. Down, .Sharman-Crawford, 9041-51 ;

M'Grath, 9762-7.

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Green, 3710.

3723.

Gill, 17146.

17146.

Appendix XXV.,
table III.

Green, 3728.
Lane, 14737-40.

Relations with
Congested
Districts Board.
Plunkett, 467.

Lane, 14710.

Green, 3716.

The duties of the Department in reference to the construction of piers
and harbours require the employment of an engineering staff. The Congested
Districts Board were under the same necessity. An arrangement has been
made between the Department and the Congested Districts 'Board by which
the Department has taken over the engineering staff of the Congested Districts
Board, and work the two businesses with one staff.

The Department, amongst other things, found that the harbours on the
east coast of Ireland were in danger of silting up. The port of Arklow, on the
coast of Wicklow, the most important fishing centre on the east coast of
Ireland, having also an important local maritime trade, was in great danger
of being closed. The fishing fleet was dammed up. The Department under-
took the work, and accomplished the clearing of the port at heavy expense,
including purchasing from Holland a steam sand pump dredger, by which
the port has since been kept clear. By a contribution of £2,500 voted by
the Agricultural Board and by other means the danger which threatened the
port and the fishing and other industries of the port was averted. The great
public service rendered by the Department to the port is acknowledged in a
letter which was put in evidence from Messrs. Kynoch, who own a°cordite
factory at Arklow.

Work such as was undertaken at Arklow, however necessary, is, it is
needless to say, a heavy strain upon the Department’s funds, and could
not have been practicable had there not been an accumulation of savings from
the annual sum of £10,000 unexpended in the earlier years of the Depart-
ments existence.

Similar grants, though not on the same scale, have been made from
time to time by vote of the Agricultural Board out of the surplus of the
endowment fund ; they appear to amount to about £20,000.

It seems right that where, as at Arklow, there is so large an expendi-
ture of public money in which a particular town or district is especially
interested, a portion of the expense should be levied by local rates. There
appears, however, as has been already stated, to be a legal difficulty in the
way of a contribution from the rates. Under the law as it stands the
local authority cannot join with the Department in any work of new
construction in the nature of a harbour or pier which will cost more than
£450. The difficulty apparently does not extend to works of repairs. Mr.
Green mentions several cases where the local authority has combined with the
Department to execute works considered to fall under the category of repairs,
not of construction. When the time comes for considering further legislation
on this subject the point as to the powers of the local authority to contribute
to works of construction should not be lost sight of.

.154. The relations between the Department of Agriculture and the Congested
Distric ts Board are somewhat complicated. The greater part of those portions
ot the West coast of Ireland where there is the greatest need and also the
greatest scope for the assistance of the State, is comprised in the Congested
Districts area. It does not fall within our province to discuss the extent
and the results of the operations of the Congested Districts Board as regards
instruction in fishing, assistance in the provision of boats and gear, arrange-
ments for curing and marketing of fish, construction and maintenance^of
peis and harbours, and otherwise. Although for these purposes the con-
gested districts bordering on the sea-coast and the islands which are included in
the congested area, are dealt with exclusively by the Congested Districts
±5oard, tor other purposes the congested districts are within the jurisdiction
ot the Department. The Congested Districts Board, for instance, has no
power to make bye-laws, and js itself bound to observe the bye-laws made
yttei) epartment operating in congested districts. It is often, too, very
aimcult in an estuary to say where the line is to be drawn between the congested
Again, the ^-existence of these two involves a
nhspruat'' °? nt duplication of expense. The principal matter calling for
W riSiS f hlS COnn m Ctl0 £ is that each bod 7 has purchased and main-
and tL P S, STTIn ^^ested Districts Board owns the “ Granuaile,”
the fist,. P T ent the Hel S a - The main use of the “Helga” is to protect

Board ^ has no a amh Cap t “r tlWlers fishin S ille K a %- The Congested Districts
ard has no authority to exercise this jurisdiction, but the “ Grannaile" is

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sometimes lent to the Department for the purpose. It would seem that one
vessel could discharge the duty of protection.

155. The inconvenience and expense of two distinct bodies carrying on opera-
tions for the same general object in the same area is manifest. It is an
arrangement eminently calculated to produce friction. In fact, however, the
evidence given before us is that the relations between the two Departments
have been most satisfactory. Mr. Green is not only the Chief Inspector of
the Fisheries Branch of the Department, but also as a member of the
Congested Districts Board he has taken for many years a leading part in the
organisation and working of the methods of the Board for the assistance of
fisheries in the congested districts. It is in a large measure due to Mr.
Green’s double position that there has been most cordial co-operation between
the two bodies.

It would be premature, now that the constitution and future operations
of the Congested Districts Board are under investigation by a Royal Commis-
sion, to make any definite suggestion as to the future constitution of the Fishery
authority for Ireland. In our opinion, whatever may be the proper constitu-
tion of that authority, whether all administration in relation to sea fisheries
is assigned to the Department of Agriculture or any other authority, it is of
the greatest importance that such overlapping of jurisdiction as now exists
should cease, and that the administration should be vested in a single Depart-
ment of the Irish Government.

156. With regard to instruction in fishing, Mr. Green tells us that “the
amount of instruction in fishing we can give in the non-congested parts of
Ireland is insignificant compared with that which the Congested Districts
Board has to do in the West.” The east coast fishermen have all the knowledge
required. “ There are isolated cases where we considered instruction was
necessary.” The method adopted is to engage an expert fisherman from the
east coast of Scotland, or some other place where fishing is carried on on a large
scale, putting him on board as a member of the crew. “ There is no other
way in which you can teach a man how to shoot nets and work the boat
except at sea.”

Mr. Green points out that the best mode of assisting the fishing industry
is by improving the means of communication, especially landing facilities, such
as piers and slips. He emphasises the importance of small works. The Irish
coast abounds in small creeks and harbours which often admit of much
improvement in means of landing at comparatively small cost. These small
works are specially useful in respect of the two most important fisheries — the
autumn Mackerel and Herring fishery.

157. The oyster fisheries of Ireland were formerly of importance. They
extended over a large portion of the West coast. But the extension of rail-
ways and the improvement of transit facilities caused the working out of
these beds. The Department is endeavouring, by means of protection and
enforcing of regulations, to prevent further waste, and in some cases is
going as far as re-stocking the public beds. Mr. Green told us that in some
cases the effect of the improvement in the conduct of oyster fisheries had
been to raise the price from 3 s. 6d. to 8s. per hundred. Mr. E. W. Holt,
the Scientific Adviser of the Department, gave an account of certain inves-
tigations and experiments which had been conducted by the Department in
Ireland, England, and France. These inquiries were directed, amongst other
matters, to the question of artificial propagation and to the “ respective values,
for Irish relaying purposes of the various qualities of such oysters on the
market.”

The Department has always had in view “ the establishment of a
system of oyster culture by the occupiers of small holdings abutting on the
foreshore.” ' Mr. Holt refers to certain legal difficulties as regards the grant-
ing ot licences for this purpose, which apparently should be removed by
legislation.

There appear to be large public beds of oysters on the East coast of
Ireland. In 1868 oysters from these beds are said to have fetched nearly
£20,000 on the pier at Arklow. In 1873 the oysters produced £13.000.

Duplication of
Authorities.

Lane, 14704.

Instruction in
Fishing.

3747.

3748.

3751.

Oyster Fisheries.

3745.

14993.

Holt, 14998.

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“ The industry died away to nothing in the eighties.” This appears to have
been partially due to economic causes, especially to increase of supplies from
England and France. In 1900 “ it was alleged that the Wicklow and Wexford
beds had completely recovered and the Department was asked to finance a
scheme for their exploitation.” A thorough survey was made, with the
result that the alleged recovery of the beds “ had, at the most, but a partial
foundation in fact, and that the condition of the trade was prohibitive as
regarded this class of oyster.” Mr. Holt mentions this case as an instance of
the importance, in dealing with inquiries of this kind, of having regard to
economic as well as scientific conditions.

Mr. Holt dwells on the difficulty of adequately protecting these public beds
from excessive fishing. Increasing the stock of oysters means increasing the
number of fishermen, and, consequently, the local fishermen do not get much
benefit from the improvement in the beds. Mr. Holt appears to suggest the
need of some more effective means of restricting the number of fishermen
resorting to the beds.

Salmon. The Salmon fishery being partly conducted in tidal waters, in estuaries,

and in an increasing degree by drift nets in the open sea, might be reckoned
amongst the sea fisheries, but as the operations for the preservation and
increase of the fish are mainly conducted in inland waters we treat the
subject under the head of Inland Fisheries.

Mackerel and The evidence which we received on the subject of a brand for Irish cured

Herring Brand. mackerel and herring showed that the subject was one of great difficulty, and
GeorgeBon, 4659-737. that it had been receiving the careful consideration of the Inspectors of
Green, 3763. Fisheries.

Lane, 14897-910.

2. Inland Fisheries.

Financial
Assistance from
Endowment
Fund.

Holt, 16034.

158. Prior to the Act of 1899, there were no public funds available for the
improvement or development of Inland Fisheries. No capital or other sum
is set apart for this purpose, and these fisheries are, therefore, dependent for
aid on such sums as may be applied by the Department from time to time
with the concurrence of the Agricultural Board. The Board has voted for
Inland Fisheries about £2,500 per annum, and the money has been spent on
the creation of Salmon and Trout Hatcheries, in Salmon-marking experi-
ments, in assistance to Boards of Conservators to protect their rivers, and on
improving fish passes on the rivers.

Owing to the co-operation of owners of Fisheries and sportsmen, the
expense of the salmon-marking experiments is little beyond the cost of labels
and tools for affixing them, and a small amount paid in reward when labels
returned.

Salmon and
Trout Hatcheries.
Green, 3703,

15034.

15038-42.

15049.

159. The subsidy to Hatcheries is usually by way of a Royalty of so much on
the Salmon Ova hatched out. The amount spent in hatcheries since the
Department was constituted is £3,096.

Mr. Holt considers the fund provided by the Board for these purposes to
be ample, and he states that the artificial propagation of salmon and trout is
being constantly extended. He describes the scheme under which financial
assistance is contributed by the Department, and gives tables showing the
capital and annual expenditure in each year since 1901, and the output of fry
from salmon hatcheries on inland fisheries from 1890 to 1900, and from
1901 to 1906, from which it appears that the number of fry turned out had
risen from 2,415,400 in 1900-1 to 6,583,750 in 1905-6, the total capital expen-
diture for the 6 years being £1,230, and the annual expenditure amounting
in all to £1,816 9s. He claims that the care exercised in the proper treatment
and turning out of the young fry has been so greatly improved that the mere
increase in figures does not at all represent the probable increase in result.

The hatchery in the Black water at Lismore is one of the largest in Europe.
Mr. Holt justifies the expenditure on that river, in which the right of fishing
is almost altogether private property, on the ground that the fry that go into
a river and go down as srnolts do not come back to that river alone ; that the
effects of the hatchery are so widely diffused that it does not matter where it
is placed, and the situation at Lismore is exceptionally favourable. It has
great natural and artificial advantages for hatchery purposes ; it is quite con-

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veniently situated for the distribution of the fry, and is under the most
excellent management, and runs no risk of neglect. There are excellent
facilities also at Gahvay, but the owner of the fishery does not approve of
hatcheries, so nothing has been done there.

The Agricultural Board has also provided funds for the experimental
conduct of a trout farm on the German system, under which trout are grown
in confinement for the table, but the work has not yet been initiated. The
German and Dutch systems of carp-farming have been carefully examined, but
found unsuitable to this country.

160. The justification for the expenditure of money on inland fisheries is that
in Ireland the public have a right to fish in tidal rivers (except in the case of
the Blackwater and a few other “ several fisheries ”) which is largely exer-
cised. The total value of the Irish salmon fisheries is about £300,000, of
which about £60,000 represents the amount which goes to private proprietors,
the difference, about £240,000, representing the public interest.* This is not
the case in Scotland, in which there are no public rights of salmon fishing, and
although such rights exist in England they are exercised to a much smaller
degree than in Ireland. ,

There is no doubt, in the Inspector’s opinion, that the breeding of fish for
inland waters produces an effect, and that the hatcheries benefit the men
fishing under the public rights as against the proprietary fishing in the pro-
portion of three to one.

Mr. Green estimates the value of the Eel Fisheries at about £36,000 per
annum. Mr. Ellis, of the Bann Eel Fisheries, considers this estimate is con-
siderably under the actual figures — the value of the eels taken on the Bann
Fishery, with which he is connected, being £10,000, while he believes an equal
amount is taken higher up the river.

The law on this subject is obscure and may require revision. No definite
suggestion was made to us as to any steps necessary to be taken for the
development of this Fishery.

161. V arious constitutional changes were urged by the representatives of the
private Fishery interests and by the Millowners’ Association. The Fishery
owners desire, that the Inspectors should be independent of the Department
— in other words, that there should be a return to the position prior to the
Department, but that they should be given additional powers and funds to be
devoted mainly towards protection. The Millowners wish for no change
beyond a right of appeal from the Inspectors and representation of their
interests on the Agricultural Board.

As regards the suggestion made in the resolutions of several public bodies
that the Fishery Branch should be separated from the Department and a
separate Board of Fisheries created on the model of the Scotch Board, Mr.
Green points out that there is a good deal of confusion of thought on the
subject. The Scotch Fishery Board is appointed altogether by the Crown, and
he thinks that the Department, with a large elective element on its Boards, is
more in consonance with Irish ideas. In Ireland there is an important public
salmon fishery element which does not apply in Scotland. There the salmon
fisheries are all proprietary, and the bye-laws are made by the proprietors
under the sanction of the Secretary for Scotland. A Board elected by persons
interested in the -fisheries might become a source of great difficulty, because
some of these gentlemen would undoubtedly be interested in the questions
which it would be the duty of the inspectors to investigate, and they can do
their work more disinterestedly than they could under a Fishery Board.

In England the fisheries are connected with the Board of Agriculture.
This has been done quite recently, and the American fisheries, which for about
30 years formed a separate Board, have been comprised under the Government
Department of Commerce and Labour within the last two years.

Representation of County Councils on Boards of Conservators was claimed
by some witnesses. The fishery proprietors who were examined, and

* It is not clear whether Mr. Green included in his estimate of the value of the Irish Salmon
Fisheries the fish taken in drift nets in the open sea, a practice of recent origin, but which is
largely on the increase. If he did not, his estimate of the value of the public, as compared with
the proprietary, rights should be largely increased.

L 2

1505a

Holt, 15053-4.

Holt, 15056.

Green, 3684-705.

Value of Inland
Fisheries.

Lane, 14912-24.

3700

Green, 3693.

Eel Fisheries.

3766-8.

7885.

3767.

Administrative

arrangements.

Hallett, 6210.
M'Dermott, 7863.

Fraser, 9797.'
Webb, 9806-12.

3770.

3773.

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14932-73. Mr. Lane, Fishery Inspector, were opposed to such representation unless on the

principle of contribution. Section 37 of the Local Government Act enables
Rural District Councils, on the request of a Board of Conservators of a fishing-
district, to contribute towards the expenses of the Board and give them
representation on the Board in the event of such contribution, but this power
has not been exercised. The present Boards of Conservators are composed of
a number elected by the licence-holders and a number of ex officios, mostly
Magistrates, owning land on the banks of the rivers. He says, however, that
it would be important by some means to induce a public interest in the
salmon rivers, and sees no reason why there should not be some public
representation on the Boards of Conservators. It would be useful if County
Councils had power to appoint a limited number of representatives on
condition of making adequate contribution.

Having regard, however, to the magnitude of the public interests
involved, we think there is much to be said for the view that representation
should be given to the public through the County Councils, irrespective of
contribution, particularly if the Boards of Conservators are to share in public
funds for purposes of protection to the extent they claim. At the same time,
County Councils should be g’iven power to contribute if they so desire.

Protection. 162. The Inspectors consider the amount of money available for protection

14973 - 8 . insufficient. The representatives of the Fishery interests also claim further

Rochfortfioeio. aid to protection, not only of a pecuniary nature, but by more stringent

McDermott, 7831-42. enforcement of the laws prohibiting poisonous discharges into rivers, and

requiring millowners to erect gratings to prevent small fish getting into
Webb, 9806 -ie. turbines and water-wheels. The representatives of the millowners’ interests

Fraser, 9797-801. strenuously denied that injury to fish was being caused either by the

discharge of deleterious matter or by the turbines or mill-wheels, and that
there was any laxity in the enforcement of the fishery laws as regards
gratings. On the other hand, they claimed that there should be a right of
appeal against the Inspectors’ decisions, and that the millowners’ interests
should be represented on the Agricultural Board as a protection against the
Fraser, 9797 . drastic and extensive powers vested in the Department, which “ are capable
of being used in such a manner as to seriously embarrass, and, in many cases,
perhaps altogether hinder the operations of the milling industry.”

With reference to the claims of the fishery proprietors that further grants
should be made to Boards of Conservators in aid of Inland Fisheries, it appears
Appendix xxv. from the return given in the Appendix that in addition to the sum of
£3,096 10s. voted by the Agricultural Board for hatcheries, sums amounting to
£2,483 19s. 6 d. had been granted to Boards of Conservators in aid of pro-
tection, £1,421 5s. for scientific investigation, £753 19s. 10 d. for en-
gineering, and £121 5s. 7 cl. for miscellaneous expenses, making a total of
£7,877 0s. Ad. to 31st March, 1906.

We think that a strong case has been made out for further aid to pro-
tection for Inland Fisheries. Such protection while of advantage to the
proprietors of fisheries would benefit in a much greater degree those who fish
in virtue of the public right.

3. Scientific Work.

163. Much importance attaches to the Scientific work of the Fisheries
Branch of the Department. Mr. Holt, who is the Scientific adviser to the
Department, has been engaged upon this class of work in Ireland since 1890.
He has the aid of two assistant naturalists, and a third naturalist is in
charge of the Department’s oyster investigations. Mr. Holt has no clerical
staff, but receives special assistance from one of the members of the Depart-
ment’s general staff. Various investigations set on foot by the Royal
Dublin Society, aided by a grant from Imperial funds, took place between
1890 and 1892, which Mr. Green conducted, with the assistance of Mr.
Lane, Mr. Holt, and Professor Haddon, and the results of these inquiries were
utilised by the Congested Districts Board.

In 1898 the Royal Dublin Society, with the assistance of another grant,
established a Marine Laboratory under Mr. Holt’s direction. The investiga-
tions were mainly concerned with the Mackerel fishery. In 1900 the

Investigations.

14982.

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laboratory was taken over by the Department, and the work of scientific
investigation was greatly aided by the possession of the new cruiser, the
“ Helga.” The “ Helga” is primarily used for protection, and has to be constantly mom.
■changing her station in order to carry out her duties efficiently. These con- 15006.
ditions suit well with the simultaneous pursuit of scientific investigation, and
by an efficient system of intelligence and communication she can be at once
diverted from scientific to protective duties when occasion arises. By these
means scientific investigations at sea can be carried on nearly continuously,
with far less expense than if expeditions had to be made for the purpose.

A quarterly survey is made of the trawling grounds off the East coast, U98i.
and a hydrographical and biological survey of the greater part of the Irish
.coast line. The presence or absence of fish on particular grounds can be
ascertained. The movements of mackerel can be, to a certain extent, tabu- i« 86.
lated Mr Holt produced before us some charts indicating the result of
investigations of this kind— indicating, amongst other things that the wide
migrations of mackerel are probably non-existent. The mackerel does not
appear to be much of a wanderer. The investigations of the _ Department
were at first independent, but are now conducted in co-operation with the
International Council for Fisheries Investigations. This arrangement leads to w™.
an interchange of valuable information, especially with Denmark. Attention
has been specially paid to Deep-sea fishing. The “Helga” explores on all
possible opportunities the Deep-sea grounds on the West and bouth-west

•coasts.

“ At present there is a valuable commercial fishery off the south-west of Ireland at about
•one hundred fathoms, a depth which would have been considered prohibitive of trawling a few
years ago, but there is no reason to suppose that this fishery is mexhaastible. It is of interest to
Ireland, not only because the fen steam trawlers now owned in Ireland take part in it but also
because it seems to distract the attention of steam trawlers owned out of Ireland, from the httoial
grounds, where they formerly occasioned a good deal of inconvenience to drift-net and long-line
fisheries. The Helm, therefore, seeks to find trawling grounds ill extension of those which the
commercial trawlers are at present equipped to exploit, and has met with considerable S'iccbss,
though, naturally, not in the capture of fishes at present familiar m the menu Ther e m, , in

fact, large areas at soundings of about 200 to 500 fathoms richly stocked with hsh ot

table qualities, which (though they hare as yet no vernacular names and except in the HeUjas
records are hardly known outside museums), will, inevitably, come to be recognised mi of ^com-
mercial value. At present trawlers may go as far as Morocco to secure a catch of which a part is
as unfamiliar in the home market as the deep-sea fishes referred to above, whfie it appears that
with a few hundred extra fathoms of trawl-warp they could load up with good fish of a sort at six
or seven hours’ steam from the south-west coast of Ireland, though,, as I have said, these fish
would not be such as are at present familiar on the fishmongers stall.

164. Mr. Holt also referred to (^ scheme approved Scheme fo^eom-

missioners, which contemplates the complete control of a salmon river tor galmon River
ten years, and the detailed observation of the habits and movements ot the
fish throughout the river system, and as far seawards as it may be possible
to trace them. He explained that the scheme had not been undertaken

... . -m , ,, i jj. j. -owu.o.iolxT in flip matter, have nc

trace tnem. xie expiaiueu uuau ~ — —

“because the Agricultural Board, though prepared to act generously in the matter, have not felt 15056.
iustified in contributing the whole cost of an investigation which would give results ot as much
value to England and Scotland as to Ireland. * * * The capital and annual expenditure involved
is large, and the Board, while prepared to furnish more than half the cost considered that the
balance was properly payable by the Treasury who, so far, have not consented to contribute. I he
•consequent lack of scientific investigation is regrettable because salmon passing a great part of
their life in fresh water, and in the narrow waters of the sea, are obviously more amenable to human
•control than purelv marine fishes, while practically nothing is known about them except then
breeding with the result that administrative measures designed tor the improvement ot tUe
.salmon fisheries must in great part proceed upon no assured basis of knowledge.

165. The Inspectors and Mr. Holt are agreed that although the financial aid i»o7.
given by the Department, with the concurrence of the Agricultural Board £° r

for the promotion of Hatcheries has been ample, it would be easy to extend Kese “ cl1 '
-and perfect the scheme of research if more funds were available ana that it
would be much better if, instead ot varying grants out ot the surplus, a
certain annual sum were earmarked, as in the case of Sea fisheries. 16058

Mr Holt also thinks that the assistant naturalists, who are an essential
part of the scientific staff, should be on the establishment, and paid out of «»-' ■
the annual vote instead of being dependent for their salaries on the Endow- isoes-s
ment Fund, the demands on which are continually increasing. He also con-
.aiders additional clerical assistance necessary. Phis question is dealt with in r«w. P i..
the portion of our Report relating to Finance.

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TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION.

Position as to 166, For several years before the establishment of the Department public
Instruction in attention had been directed to the deficiencies of the country in facilities of

1899. education in all departments. The labours of the Recess Committee had brought

out very fully the advantage which might be expected to accrue from more
effective work of Technical Education. Intermediate Education had been
dealt with in the Report of the Intermediate Education (Ireland) Commission
appointed in 1898 ;* and one of the most important aspects of Elementary
Education had been discussed very fully by the Commission on Manual and
Practical Instruction in Primary Schools under the Board of National
Education in Ireland appointed in 1897.f The educational work which the
,A.ct transferred to the Depanntent was that which had been carried on
previously under the Department of Science and Art ; in addition to the
management of the Central Institutions this included, in the year 1900-01,
the administration of grants to about 100 schools, of which about 60
were classes in Secondary Schools, the other 40 being Evening Schools
and Schools of Art. This work, however, was essentially sporadic, and
had only the most slender relation to that done under the National Board
and Board of Intermediate Education. The grant paid in respect of
the local classes was upwards of £5,000, together with a special grant of
about £3,500 in aid of Technical Instruction as defined by the Technical
Instruction Act, 1889 — the grant frequently referred to in Ireland as the
Paragraph 235. “ equivalent grant.” At this time the teaching was very largely unaccom-

panied by either experimental work on the part of the students or definite
demonstrations of its application in connection with specific industries.
Indeed, there were only about half a dozen school laboratories in Ireland, and
very few central schools had made even a beginning in providing instruction
bearing directly upon trades.

Relations of Technical Education to Elementary and Secondary
Education.

Educational field 167. In the region of Technical Education the main business of the Depart-
ment. 6 epart " ment is with those who have left the Elementary Schools of the National
Board or the Intermediate Schools under the Board of Intermediate Educa-
tion, and who are either already engaged in some employment or are obtaining
advanced education in one of the institutions managed by the Department.
On its establishment the Department had to direct attention to two problems.
It was necessary at once to do the' best possible in the circumstances for those
who were still of such age as to be within the province of teaching institutions
and who were thus possible students either in day or in evening classes. At
the same time attention had to be directed to the various elements of educa-
tional machinery which required to be established or, if already existing, to be
improved, in order to secure in the end combination which would deal in the
most effective manner possible with the coming generation of pupils.
Schools and classes definitely technical were in the province of this Department
exclusively. These had practically to be created, the selection and training of
teachers for the schools of the future being carried on concurrently with the
development of the organised institutions in which they were to work. So
far as concerned Secondary Schools, the Department had a certain locus standi
m the administration of Science and Art grants ; in these schools, as we note
below, with the co-operation of the Intermediate Education Board the Depart-
ment have already succeeded in establishing the laboratories necessary for
sound education in Science and Art, and in training teachers in the matter
and methods of instruction in Science and Art and for Manual Training as
required for pupils in Intermediate Schools.

168. The great majority, however, of those on whom falls the brunt of in-
dustrial work have to rely upon the Elementary School for all the Preliminary
Education they are to have, and the development of a practical aim in the training
there givenbecomesof thegreatest importance for a good Elementary Education.

A bias in a practical direction does much to enable a boy to take his place in
* Parliamentary Paper [C. 951,1]. t Parliamentary Paper [C. 8923].

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Relations to
Elementary
Education.

active industrial work. Not only so, however, but such an education during
the years of attendance at a Primary School is a necessary preliminary to any
specialised instruction which a boy may receive later as bearing upon the
work of the trade, industry, or employment upon which he has embarked.

The Act constituting the Department does not deal with this part of the
general question of Technical Education. The matter, however, is of so great
importance that we venture to quote certain passages bearing upon it m the
Report of the Commissioners on Manual and Practical Instruction in Primary
Schools under the Board of National Education, published in 1898.

“ It is thought that a good system of technical education would contribute largely towards Part I., par. 3, p. 6.
the development of arts and industries in Ireland, and in this opinion we entirely concur. But
the present system of primary education is so one-sided in its character that it leaves the pupils
quite unprepared for Technical Education. The clever boys trained in the National Schools, it
they are disposed to seek for a higher education, may pass with advantage into Intermediate
Schools of the kind now general in Ireland ; but they are not fit to enter a Technical School, even
if they had such a school at their doors. Now, it seems to us that the changes we recommend
would go far to remedy this defect. The system of National Education, modified as we propose
would give an all-round training to the faculties of the children, and would thus lay a solid
foundation for any system of higher education — literary, scientific, or technical which rnigli
afterwards be found suitable to their talents and circumstances.”

For details as to the recommendations of the Commissioners we must
refer to their Report ; but we may point out that, so far as the older pupils
in Elementary Schools were concerned, these recommendations included that
the practice of Woodwork, treated educationally, should be introduced m the
higher classes of schools for boys, with the object, not of making the boys
carpenters, but training them in habits of accurate observation, careful
measurement, and exact workmanship, and that Drawing should be made
compulsory in all National Schools. They recommended that a simpm course
of Elementary Science should form part of the ordinary education in National
Schools, and that, while they did not think that practical farming was a
subject that properly belonged to elementary education, the course of
Elementary Science to be taughb in rural schools should be so framed as to
illustrate the more simple scientific principles that underlie the ait and
industry of agriculture; they also recommended the maintenance and exten-
sion of school gardens as a means by which these scientific principles might
be illustrated and made interesting to the pupils ; and that in schools tor
girls, Needlework, Cookery, Laundry Work, and Domestic Science should play
the part that these other subjects took in the curriculum for boys.

Referring to these and others of their recommendations the Commis-
sioners said : —

«We think it important that children should be taught, not merely to take in know- Parti., par. l,p. 4
ledge of books, but to observe with intelligence the material world arounc. them ; that they
should be trained in habits of correct reasoning on the facts observed, and that they should, even
at school, acquire some skill in the use of hand and eye to execute the conceptions ol the brain.

.Such a training we regard as valuable to all, but especially valuable to those whose lives are to be
mainly devoted to industrial arts and occupations. The great bulk of the pupils attending Primary
Schools under the National Board will have to earn their bread by the work of their hands ; it is,
therefore, important that they should be trained from the beginning to use their hands with dex-
terity and intelligence.”

They expressed the opinion that the changes recommended ought to be
introduced not all at once but gradually and tentatively.

It has not been our business to enquire to what extent changes, of the
•character recommended have been introduced in the education given in
Elementary Schools in Ireland. We note that in the programmes of instruc-
tion for National Schools issued by the Commissioners of National Education,
much attention is devoted to this aspect of elementary education, but from
recent reports on Primary Schools in Ireland, and from evidence given to us,
we gather that it has not been found possible as yet to make a general
improvement in this direction sufficiently effective to secure for the pupils
now passing through Elementary Schools all that is desired. We wish,
therefore, to state emphatically our opinion that for a very large proportion
of the population of Ireland it is of the utmost importance that the education
•afforded in Primary Schools should be fully impressed with a practical aim in
the way indicated ; the pupils who have been trained in such schools should
find in their education there a fair foundation for any training in trade or
manufacture, or for any technical education that may be possible for them
later, and we think that all possible means should be taken to secure the

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Secondary

Schools.

2111 .

Eev. T. Finlay, 3554.

Messrs. Dale and
Stephens’ Report.

further training of National School teachers so that they may be fully
qualified to give instruction with the aim and with the spirit set before them
in the Report of the Commissioners on Manual and Practical Instruction, and
in the Motes for Teachers issued by the National Board. The National Board
dealt with this matter on a large scale from 1900 to 1905, and are still carry-
ing on a certain amount of supplementary instruction of this kind. Something
too, has been done by classes under Local Technical Committees ; but we
think that in whatever way it is to be attained, the improvement in the train-
ing afforded by the Primary School, is so vital a factor in the question of
technical education in Ireland that arrangements should be made at an early
date to deal effectively with the problem and to meet the cost required to
supplement the Parliamentary Grants available under the Department’s-
scheme for such a purpose.

169. In Secondary Schools the Department of Agriculture and Technical
Instruction had from the outset a direct means of influencing the trend of the
Education provided. The Department of Science and Art, whose educational
functions in Ireland were transferred to the new Department, gave grants
in respect of instruction in Science, Drawing, and Manual Training in
these schools ; and it fell to the Department, as Mr, Fletcher, Assistant
Secretary of the Department in respect of Technical Instruction, says
“ f° revise the Regulations in much the same way as was done by the South
Kensington Branch of the Board of Education in England, and by the Scotch
Education Department in Scotland, but, of course, to amend them in accord-
ance with our particular needs in Ireland as far as the special conditions
prevailing here require. The Department sought then to avoid the evil of
early specialisation, and its chief care was to see that Science should not be ah
accretion to Secondary Education. They desired that the teaching they sought
to introduce should bear a due relation to the other main branches of a-
general education, and that it should take its place as an organic part of the
Secondary curriculum.” The Secondary Schools in Ireland 'are responsible to
the Intermediate Education Board ; and that Board was fully alive to the fact-
that the system of test by written examinations, to which, in practice, they
were restricted, was not suitable for the development of the aspect of training
for which the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction was-
empowered to give grants. The Department and the Intermediate Education
Board arranged for administrative co-operation on lines which prove to have
been well calculated to secure the full advantage of this section of the
instruction given in the Secondary Schools.

170. In 1905 Messrs. F. H. Dale and T. A. Stephens, Her Majesty’s Inspectors
of Schools, Board of Education, presented to His Excellency the Lord Lieu-
tenant a report* on the system of Intermediate and Technical Education in-
Ireland, based upon an inquiry which they had conducted at his request.
Dealing with the co-ordination of the work of the Department of Agriculture
and Technical Instruction with that of the Intermediate Education Board,.
Messrs. Dale and Stephens say : —

82. Within the years 1892-98, though the number of boys who were examined in the three
higher grades of the Intermediate Examinations increased from 2,865 to 4,285, the number of
scholars offering recognised branches of science decreased from 2,288 to 705 ; and the instruction
even of these candidates had practically no genuine educational value owing to the absence of any
proper equipment. There were only half-a-dozen Intermediate Schools in Ireland provided with
laboratories.

83. It was obvious that the continuance of these defects would prevent any co-ordination of'
Intermediate and Technical Education, and steps were accordingly taken by co-operation between
the two Departments concerned to apply an effective remedy ; and it is necessary, in order to
render the present position intelligible, to give a brief summary of the arrangements made to
secure this end.

84: \ Sl “ c ? 1901 Department has remodelled the syllabuses of instruction for Intermediate
c ools m Science and Art subjects, and the conditions on which grants were to be awarded for
^ 6C S ’ j . , P* ace ’ a systematic course of instruction in Science and Art to cover
all nLn? de 7 lse , d ' Ti i e first . two years were devoted to a Preliminary Course obligatory for
WmJnti.a/pi S °- °° S ’ c ? nsistecl > so far as the Science was concerned, of instruction in
Sd ^ Chemistry, designed primarily to familiarise the pupil with the methods

student was to V* ^ * bran ,? hes scientific inquiry ; while in the last two years, the
Botany etc tHBBK* uT t t ranch of Science-*.^ Chemistry, Mechanical Science,
botany, etc. The detailed syllabus issued by the Department for the guidance of teachers was at

* Parliamentary Paper [Cd. 2546].

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first limited to the Preliminary Course ; but in 1903, when the system had been in operation for
two years, syllabuses were issued for the advanced instruction upon which the students were now
qualified to enter.

Similar action has been taken by the Department with regard to the cognate subjects of
Manual Instruction and Domestic Economy. A graduated course for four years lias been di’awn
up for each of these subjects, although they are in so far subordinate that a school can only take
them in its Preliminary Course for the first two years as a supplement to Experimental Science
and Drawing.

85. Again, definite requirements are now made as to the amount of time which is to be
allotted in the school time-table to subjects of Science and Art.

86. The most important change, however, introduced by the Department has been the change
in the methods of instruction and in the conditions on which grants are awarded for the subjects
in question. Under Rule 1 of Section II. of the Department’s Regulations, “ Experimental
Science shall mean such a system of instruction in Physical and Natural Science, as will involve
the greater part of the work being done by the pupils themselves in an approved laboratory.’ In
order to secure the fulfilment of this condition, the Department has assisted managers in planning
the necessary laboratories, and has made grants of money in aid of their equipment.

While by means of these regulations the Department has insisted on Science being taught
systematically in schools under favourable conditions, it has made the assessment of the work done
depend, as a natural corollary, not upon written examination, but primarily upon the satisfactory
attendance and progress of the pupil as tested by inspection.

87. These conditions, however, owing to the smallness of the grant which the Department
could offer, could hardly have been carried into effect without the co-operation of the Intermediate
Education Board. That Board has adopted the regulations and syllabuses of the Department for
the purpose of its own examinations and the distribution of its own grants.

********

In. addition to the adoption of the Department’s regulations, the Intermediate Education
Board also accepts the tests applied by the Department’s Inspector's for the purposes of the grants
made by the Department.

88. By these measures a genuine co-ordination has been effected in the working of the two
Departments concerned. A single set of rules and a single inspection serve the purpose of
assessing the grants of both, and this avoidance of overlapping is in itself no small gain. Again,
the greatest benefit has undoubtedly been derived from the unanimity with which both Depart-
ments have directed their influence to-the re-establishment of Science and Art in the Intermediate
Schools.

********

That these expensive improvements have been carried out, as our inquiries showed, without
friction and in so short a time is in itself a sufficient testimony to the tact of the Department s
officers and the public spirit of the managers of the Intermediate Schools.

89 The number of students offering Experimental Science and Drawing in the Intermediate
examination of 1903 was no less than 5,950— viz., 4,576 boys and 1,374 girls ; while the special
grants made by the Department for the subject, which in 1902-3 amounted to £9,294 8s. 2d.,
rose in 1903-4 to £12,353 16s. 4 d.*

90. It is hardly possible to over-estimate the importance of this reform in Irish Education.

For the first time in Ireland genuine instruction in Science and Drawing has been rendered
possible, and the old methods of purely theoretical work, based solely, or almost solely, on text-
books and examination papers — work which was not merely futile in itself, but absolutely pre-
judicial to any proper grasp of scientific method — have been superseded by a system under which
every student is forced to familiarise himself with the procedure of investigation by actual experi-
ment. It would be superfluous to dwell on the educational gain involved ; in every school that
we visited where Science was being taught the teachers were unanimous in their appreciation of
the increased interest of the subject and the benefit to the scholars already won under the new
conditions and syllabus. This verdict is the more satisfactory since the work is still in its initial
stages. The novelty of the change and the lack of specially trained teachers have hitherto pre-
vented, and must for some years prevent, the full fruit of the reforms from being properly seen.
********

92. Finally, the enlistment of the local interest of the Technical Education Committees in the
Intermediate schools by the introduction of Science and Art subjects, which on general grounds is
most desirable, has already resulted in an economy of expenditure and effort in various districts.

The evidence we received and our own observations amply support the
testimony which these experts give as to the remarkable results already
obtained in this section of educational work.

171. The preparation of a satisfactory programme in Science and Art for Secondary School
Secondary Schools presented comparatively little difficulty; the real difficulties needs,
were the provision of facilities for laboratory practice by the pupils and the
supply of teachers qualified to carry out the programme in the spirit in which
it was conceived.

* The number of students offering Experimental Science, Drawing, and Domestic Economy at
the Intermediate Educations in 1906 was 9,910— viz., 7,050 boys and 2,860 girls ; while grants
made by the Department in respect of such instruction in 1905-6 amounted to £21,991.

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Laboratories and
Workshops.

2144 - 6 .

Science Teachers.

Manual

Instructors.

172. Prior to 1900 six Secondary Schools possessed laboratories. The imme-
diate preparation of properly equipped laboratories and manual workshops
was among the most pressing necessities the Department had to meet. The
Treasury sanctioned a grant in aid of the equipment of laboratories ; the
Technical Instruction Committees gave grants for the same purpose. These
grants together amounted, as a rule, to about seven-ninths of the cost of
equipment ; the Managers provided the balance of two-ninths of the cost of
equipment and the whole cost of building. Mr. Fletcher says ; —

“In many cases there was a large amount. School managers have been very ready to improve
their buildings and put up most excellent rooms for the teaching of Science and Drawing, and this,
I am sure, has contributed, in a large measure, to the increased efficiency. ... Science is

now taught under favourable conditions Our effort was to make the laboratories

simple and effective. Thus, although the first two years’ Course involves the teaching of Elemen-
tary Physics and Elementary Chemistry, in all the small schools we have been quite ready to accept
a composite laboratory in which both may be taught. We have only asked for one room for the
teaching of these two branches. In fact, we distinctly discouraged undue expenditure on the
laboratories. I would like to explain that another difficulty was necessarily encountered at this
stage. We had had noScience teaching of a practical character in these schools, and, therefore
the nature of the laboratories, the equipment of them, and the apparatus to be got was not under-
stood, and a very severe burden was thrown on our inspectors. In the great majority of cases
the inspectors drew up plans, and these were sent for concurrence to the schools concerned.
In other cases the schools either drew up the plans themselves or got architects or specialists to
draw them up, and sent them to us for revision, but in almost every case it meant a visit or several
visits, the inspector giving such aid to the schools as was possible.”

Two hundred and sixty-five Secondary Schools are now supplied with
laboratories, &c., so equipped as to comply with the rules of the Department*
indeed the necessities of accommodation for this section of the work appear
to have been practically met so far as existing necessities require.

173. The supply of teachers presented special difficulties. For the future
there was the prospect that those trained in the Royal College of Science
and in the Universities would possess not merely an adequate knowledge
of the subjects of instruction but sufficient familiarity with practical details
of laboratory work and with methods of instruction suitable for schools, to
justify their direct appointment to responsible work in the Science sections
of Secondary Schools. In 1900 very few indeed of the teachers in office
or available had the qualifications and experience required. There were,
however, many teachers who had successful experience in the work of
their profession in Mathematics and in other subjects, and who were prepared
to devote a considerable amount of time to the study of Science and of
the methods of Science teaching in order to qualify themselves for
effective work as teachers of Science. With a view to the special training
of such teachers, the Department initiated a large scheme of Summer
Courses. Each Course lasts for twenty-four working days in July, and a
large number of the best teachers available are engaged, each as instructor in
his own special subject or department. Those selected to attend these
Courses as students are themselves teachers in Secondary Schools, and each
who passes successfully the examinations at the end of a Summer Course is
provisionally recognised for one year, and after satisfactory attendance at a
second year’s Course for a second year, and so on ; such provisional
recognition is made permanent after fi ve Summer Courses. One hundred and
seven certificates have been awarded to teachers who have been, successful
in the work of five Summer Courses up to 1906. The results of this
system have been satisfactory. The concentration and assiduity of those
under training, the progress they make in the intervening sessions of study
and practice in their respective schools, the stimulus of the annual course of
instruction under men of distinction in their profession, and the recurring
periods of personal contact with fellow-students of like aims and experience
with themselves, have enabled the teachers, who have given up their time to
this object, to secure no mean measure of qualification.

174. A supply of Manual Instructors for work in Secondary Schools and
in special classes in towns and in rural areas had to be provided in a
different way. The Department selected successive batches of about
twenty skilled artisans of good character and education, and arranged for
each batch a course of instruction in methods of teaching and in the work
which had been found to be most suitable for the manual training of boys
a,nd young men. Each course lasted five months, during which the students

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in training received 305. a week subsistence allowance in lieu of wages.
The men who passed successfully through these courses found ready employ-
ment as instructors, and their teaching has given much satisfaction
throughout the country. For the further training of Manual Instructors,
Summer Courses have been arranged in such subjects as Modelling, Wood-
carving, Building Construction.

175. The above observations as to the activity of the Department in the
Section of Secondary Education with which they were concerned, applies
with no less force in connection with the education of girls than it does to
that of boys. There is now in Ireland a good supply of Secondary Schools
equipped for adequate instruction in Domestic Arts, based upon a pre-
liminary training in the elements of pertinent sections of Science and
Art. The preparation of teachers for this department of Girls’ Schools
has received effective treatment, and the quality of the work done by those
who have passed through the Training School for Teachers of Domestic
Arts is good demonstration alike of the aptitude of the women students
for this work, and of the fitness of the course of training which has been
organised. The broadening of the education afforded to girls in Convent
and other Secondary Schools is a marked feature of the progress in educa-
tion of a secondary stage. It has been brought about by the policy, which
the Department adopted deliberately, of giving assistance towards the
equipment of laboratories and practical class-rooms, to the authorities of
Girls’ Private Schools. Boys’ Private Schools also received assistance, but
almost all the Girls’ Secondary Schools in Ireland are more or less private.
Those schools which have received such assistance from public funds are
doing valuable public work, and there is no other machinery by which this
public work could be done.

176. The Irish Training School of Domestic Economy has been sending out
annually a number of well-qualified teachers of the various Domestic Arts
and those who complete the course there, find ready employment in good
fields of work in Ireland. In view, however, of the great opportunity for
work of a telling character which is afforded in the schools of all grades
for girls, and in view of the large part which the Convent Schools take in
that work, it is specially gratifying to learn that the teachers in these
schools have shown much keenness in adding to their aptitude for the
duties of teacher the qualifications in Science, Art, and Domestic Economy
which were to be obtained in the Supplementary Courses established by
the Department. Mr. Fletcher in his evidence on this point said : —

“ In a great many places we hold courses for ‘Nuns. A large number of gii'ls’ schools are
convent schools and taught by staffs of Nuns. In some cases these are enclosed Orders, and if
we are to introduce science into such schools it becomes necessary to send teachers to the convents.
We arrange for the Nuns to come from other convents of the same Order to a centre, and hold a
course there. In that case we do not provide anything for accommodation. We pay the teacher.
The question of teachers and their qualifications is dealt with just as in the ca.se of the public
course. It was only by such means that we could have introduced science as a general scheme
all over the country. The scheme is introduced into the convent schools quite as freely as in
the others. . . , There has been no difficulty whatever in any class of the convent schools,

and the teaching in some of the convent schools is as good as is to be found in Europe. . . .

The attitude of the teachers towards this course was admirable, and enabled us to introduce,
without exception, the teaching of experimental science into convent schools of a secondary type
in Ireland.”

In some of the convent schools there have long been good industrial
classes; Cookery, Laundry Work, and Housewifery have always been
prominent subjects in the courses of instruction there. The teaching of
these subjects, however, has shared fully in the increase in effectiveness of
all the work of the school that has followed upon the introduction of
methodical science teaching. Thus the Bishop of Elphin, speaking of a
large convent in his diocese, says

“ Unquestionably a great impetus has been given to study of every kind since the Department
was instituted. They have got their laboratory ; and Domestic Economy in the most useful and
practical form is taught. There progress has been made which,' I think, never would have been
made but for the assistance of the Department.”

177. Much advantage- in the work of the Department in relation to
Secondary Schools has accrued from their discussions with the Committee
of Heads of Secondary Schools which they formed, in order that they
might the more readily benefit in advance by the experience of those who

M 2

Girls’ Secondary
Schools,

Convent Schools.

2174 - 6 .

3498 .

Committee of
Heads of
Secondary
Schools.

Fletcher, 2189-91.

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are actively engaged in the work of the schools. This Committee consists
of representatives of such associations as the Teachers’ Guild, the Convent
Schools Committee, the Catholic Head Masters’ Association, the Christian
Brothers, the Schoolmasters’ Association, and the Association of Head
Mistresses. It is called together once or twice a year when the repre-
sentatives of the Department discuss with the Committee matters upon
which the Department wishes to have the advantage of their experience,
opinions, or advice, on subjects which the Committee desire to bring before
the Department. In this and other ways the Department have taken
special pains to keep in full touch with the schools. Speaking of the work
of the Inspectors of the Department, Mr. Fletcher says :• —

2189. “I chink I may say that the advice and criticism ■which the Inspectors have always been

ready to offer have been universally welcomed, and that the Inspectors and heads of schools are
on excellent relations. I venture to think that one of the most potent causes of what I regard
as a satisfactory state of things has been the close touch of the Department with the Secondary
Schools in the country. The views of the Secondary Schools are sought and obtained upon all
important questions in our programme.”

Speaking of the scheme for the teaching of Science in Secondary
Schools, the Very Reverend Dr. Crehan, Head Master of Blackrock College,
Dublin, says : —

16173. “ There is one thing which deserves special mention to show the foresight of those into whose

hands the organisation of the scheme was committed. They knew they were imposing on the
heads of schools obligations which they would find very difficult to carry out, so they determined
to consult with a representative body of the heads of schools in order to do away with as many
difficulties as possible. The officials of the Department call together annually the consultative
committee, which is composed of the representatives of the different educational bodies who have
charge of these schools, and discuss with them in friendly conclave the merits and demerits of the
programme. Much benefit has undoubtedly been derived from these meetings, and the free inter-
change of ideas has been of very great advantage, not only to the Department, but to the heads
of schools, who learn to respect the different views they may severally have on many points
connected with Science and its teaching.”

Dual Administra- 178. Excellent as has been the effect of the well-considered conditions and

Schools^ Secondary arrangements accompanying the assistance which the Department has given
to Science, Art and Manual Training in Secondary Schools, we cannot but
concur in the regret expressed by Messrs. Dale and Stevens in their detailed
report upon intermediate education in Ireland that under existing condi-
tions this section of the work of the schools cannot be brought into organic
connection with their general curriculum. However cordially the Depart-
ment and the Intermediate Board may co-operate, the mere fact of dual
administration, and the essential difference of basis in their financial
assistance as depending, in the one ‘case, on inspection and, in the other,
on written examination, are sufficient to preclude the intermediate schools
of Ireland from deriving full benefit from the support they receive from
National Funds. We are of opinion that the earliest opportunity should be
taken to concentrate in the hands of one central authority the administration
of all funds available for the assistance of Secondary Schools, so that the
curriculum and methods of the schools may be dealt with by a single
central authority whose business it would be to consider these in relation
to all the educational circumstances of the locality. Such an arrangement
need not lose for the schools the advantage of personal contact with Inspec-
tors whose daily experience kept them in touch with the special require-
ments of the area in the matter of technical education and with the steps
necessary to satisfy these.

Further Education.

179. It is obvious that further education — education in continuation of
that obtained in a Day School, Primary or Secondary, is of the utmost im-
portance in technical education. It has, as a rule, to be carried on con-
currently with employment by which a youth is earning his living or doing
something towards that end. It consists essentially of two elements — that
required to extend the general education obtained at School, and that
required to prepare for and to supplement the training effected by daily
work m the office, workshop, or factory. This latter element is the more

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obviously and distinctively technical, and the precise character which it
assumes varies very greatly according to the nature of the employment to
which it is related. It may turn upon the study of Composition, Calcula-
tions, Languages, Design, Mechanics, Experimental Science — subjects
which fall to be dealt with in the ordinary class-rooms and laboratories of
a school, or it may require a more or less specialised workshop in which
those under instruction may carry out actual trade operations, of sufficient
extent to enable them to appreciate the application of the principles that
underlie the practice of their trade. In still other cases an employment
may demand of those who practice it, little more than ordinary intelligence
and considerable manipulative dexterity ; for those who are to make their
living in such an occupation it is of the first importance that their general
education should have had a practical bias, and should have included an
.adequate hand-and-eye training. Where the Primary School course has
been definite in these respects, it may be to some extent supplemented by the
work of Continuation Classes; but expertness of hand and eye, where not
hereditary, can be promoted far more effectively in the earlier years of
training than in the later. What measure of progress in this matter is
possible for those who have ■ reached the age for apprenticeship, must be
obtained in the course of daily practice in the trade workshop rather than
in school. To the school, however, those engaged in manipulative
industries who aim at qualifying themselves for the more responsible
positions in these, must resort for the. continuation of their general
education and for an opportunity of obtaining the necessary knowledge of
materials, of machinery and of the principles of Science upon which their
industrial operations depend.

180. For further education in these various directions aid from national
funds is available in two ways : —

(а) From the Department's Endowment Fund, and

(б) From grants voted by Parliament.

Speaking generally, we find that the schemes of technical instruction
in operation in the various areas have been so drawn as to devote the
money available from the former of these resources — the Department’s
Endowment Fund, along with the sums raised by local rates and by fees of
.students, to meet initial and standing charges in respect of technical
instruction, and to secure that wherever there appears to be an adequate
field for a technical school, such a school should be established. The
-adequate development of these schools and of classes formed in centres
where no permanent technical school is possible, depends in very many
places upon the possibility of obtaining the necessary supplementary
assistance from the second of the resources named — annual Parliamentary
grants. These grants are, first, the grant formerly administered by the
Department of Science and Art, and, second, the grants for Evening-
Schools administered by the National Board. The former of these is now
administered by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction,
and for several years its administration was based upon the old regulations
■of the Board of Education which, under changed educational conditions,
had become unsuitable. The sections of teaching in Science and Art,
however, which, in the earlier years of their work the Department found it
most necessary to develop, could be promoted most readily under the condi-
tions regulating the utilisation of the Endowment Fund. A revised
.scheme for the administration and distribution of these Parliamentary
Grants has recently been promulgated. The scheme has not yet been in
operation for a year, and its financial effect has not yet been satisfactorily
gauged, indeed its nature can scarcely be said to be fully appreciated. We
believe that it is drawn upon sufficiently liberal lines to afford adequate
supplement to the other funds in all cases where there is a real need for
■courses of instruction definitely applicable to commerce, trades, constructive
or manufacturing industries, art or domestic subjects, and where the
necessary accommodation is available.

181. This Scheme, however, deals only with pupils who have previously
“ received such an education as would entitle them to be placed in the sixth
class of a school under the National Board.” Instruction in Evening

Funds available.

Dual Administra-
tion of Evening
Schools.

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Edmondson, 13024.
Delap, 8011-20.
Favell, 13483.

Hill, 13956-9.
Bradley, 8060-7.

Forth, 9565-84*
Woollatt, 8624-80.
Lark, 8711-5.

Classes for pupils below this standard falls to be provided under the Rules:
and Regulations of the Commissioners of National Education, and the
Parliamentary Grant in aid of this instruction is administered by the
Commissioners. It is clear that a very large number of pupils leave the
Elementary Schools without completing their elementary education; and
for one reason or another the supply of classes for the continuation of this:
education is quite insufficient, even in the more populous centres, to bring
the National School pupils up to the standard at which their technical
education under the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction
should begin. As a result of this state of matters, either the classes, by which
alone many young people could prepare themselves to receive the technical
instruction which they require, are not, as a matter of fact, provided,
or, if provided, they are maintained by Local Authorities or Managers
of Technical Schools partly, at least, out of funds which ought to be devoted
to education higher than elementary. We have had evidence to the effect
that Evening Schools, which aimed essentially at providing higher instruc-
tion of a technical character, found it necessary to carry on preparatory
departments which are concerned only with that completion of elementary
education which the students require before they can enter with advantage-
upon the course which it is the real business of the school to provide- and
we have been informed that the school authorities find that they are unable
to bring these lower classes into line with the conditions affecting grants of'
the National Board for Evening Classes, since these conditions do^not lend
themselves to the arrangement of the course of greatest educational
Va ?-i' ge 1 f ? r n students the y to educate. We are not satisfied that-
the difficulties of securing these grants in aid of the lower stage classes
required m Evening Schools might not be surmounted if School Managers
fw ~ 7 e . blasters took the matter up with energy ; but we are of opinion,
mat it is unfortunate that there should be two sets of conditions affecting
Parliamentary grants in aid of a section of Educational work which it
continuous, both as to matter and as to conditions of instruction from the-
lowest stage to the highest.

Change necessary. 182, It is eminently desirable that every facility should be afiorded for

continuous treatment m Further Education as given in Evening Classes
that there should be no break either in the management or in the
administration. Full advantage cannot be obtained from the lower
Evening Classes unless they are included in the Scheme of provision
Education for which the local authority is responsible:
De P artm “t of Agriculture and Technical Instruction; it would
fthtrrf , ‘n 6 adn P nb rtration of the Parliamentary grant in aid
LSf! ° f d i f WOr u sl T ld be m tbe hands of tbe Department. The in-
f clas f® s whlch a f essentially for the completion of Elementary
Education would necessarily be carried on by the Officers who by their

touch TiS the t® m . s P ec * 10n ,°f National Schools, and by being in constant
able » 6r * m - cbar S e °f these Schools, are in the most favour-

with thfDsvsfbnoW t0 c Jud S e work done . and . ty their influence

Evening nL S h n tea £" to hel P ln encouraging boys and girls to enter
Inspector s^of The ^ the f„ lea ™ tbe Day School. These Officers are the-
an P ™»l?t National Board ; but it should not be impossible to make
mffiimitefn tA • tk f r continuing their share in this work so as to
™lt S tha?»™ S lmp °-u a m borderline of educational provinces, the diffi-
r n te 0 ^L“”“ dable -tore all educational administration is not.

Authorities

concerned.

Local Authorities for Technical Instruction.

line of OTgfnisation^o^tecb^ - e ? < lP ai ' tlQe l lt to determine the general out-
administration of grants from 'tlw lnstra !i*.? on - and the conditions for the
ability for the expenditure S the ^t' 31 P f kan ^ ntar y Vote, the respon-
available for technical instructs?, P 0ltl ? n . ° f the Department’s endowment
Local Authoriti^ffiiniS *™^ ^ ^ a P on tbe Department and the
county Boroughs, of the dunties

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ever, gave to each Council power to appoint a Committee for the purpose of
the Act, that is, a Committee to deal with questions of Agriculture and
of Technical Instruction. It must be remembered that the Councils in Ire-
land were still in their first period of office when the Department was
constituted, and that there had not been in Ireland any system of School
Boards such as existed in England and in Scotland, nor indeed had there
been any system of Committees dealing with educational matters at
all. There was thus a marked want of informed public opinion as to
educational possibilities, and an absence of experience among laymen in the
management of educational institutions which made it necessary for the
Department to spend much time on work essentially local in character.
Further, in a large part of Ireland, agricultural interests so over-shadowed
technical instruction that it was not unnatural that an effective local
interest and capacity for local management in education should be matters
•of slow growth.

184. The part of the Endowment Fund allocated for the purposes of tech-
nical instruction elsewhere than in County Boroughs, and the local rates
devoted to that purpose, can only be applied in accordance with the pro-
visions of schemes or for other expenditure approved by the Department.
At the outset the Department issued, as a general guide in the matter, a
pamphlet of suggestions, followed by a memorandum on the powers of the
Local Authorities and on the procedure to be followed in their work under
this section of the Act. As a rule they met each Local Authority in conference
for the discussion of the work which might profitably be undertaken. A
separate scheme of technical instruction was prepared for each area, and
these schemes have been revised annually. The procedure adopted has
aimed at bringing the Local Authority to face the problem of technical
education. Where a Local Authority had not previously formulated a
scheme for technical instruction for its area the Department has submitted
a draft, and the Local Authority have considered this draft in
conference with one of the Department’s Inspectors and have given
such criticism, mainly based upon local circumstances and necessities, as
suggested itself to them. Each scheme when adjusted and approved by
the Department had to be worked under the observation and control of the
Local Authority. Local Authorities in this way have generally acquired
knowledge and experience of this section of their duties, and in practice
they now require less detailed assistance and supervision from the Depart-
ment than they formerly did.

185. The final local arrangements for Classes have in many cases devolved
upon local committees, each dealing with a parish or district, and we have
had ample evidence of the importance of the interest of such committees
as a factor in the success of classes or courses. The activity, and even the
establishment, of such committees is as yet by no means universal, but in
the five or six years of work under the Act much progress has clearly been
made.

186. Describing the procedure in the initiation of the work and the rela-
tions of the Department with the local authorities, Mr. Fletcher says : —

“The record of this branch of technical instruction is one of continued success. In the first
year of the Department’s work a little delay was inevitable. The Department had practically no
staff ; committees had to be formed under local authorities ; the rate to be struck, and schemes to
be formulated. A reference to the annual reports of the Department will show that in successive
years until now, a greater number of local authorities had been willing to rate themselves, and to
^administer schemes under the Department’s control, until there is only one county at the present
time which has not a scheme in operation. That is Londonderry, but I believe it is proposing a
scheme next year. This first year was, however, one of inquiry and discussion, and a large
amount of preliminary work was done. Committees were formed, schemes of pioneer lectures
framed and carried out, deputations of local authorities to visit technical schools in England and
Scotland arranged by the Department and conducted by its officers. All this was a necessary
preliminary to the drawing up of schemes. The Department would have been glad, had it been
possible, to leave the formulation of schemes entirely to local authorities, and indeed many pro-
posals and suggestions were received. These can, if it be thought desirable, be dug out from the
archives of the Department. They were, in every case, fully discussed between the Inspector of
the Department and the local authority, and an agreement was arrived at as to how much of
them could be usefully incorporated in the local scheme. They were proposals quite natural
under the circumstances, coming from committees without experience of technical work. For
example, I have a case in mind, where the scheme of technical instruction from a committee really

Functions of the
Department.

§ 19 ( 4 ).

Local Committees

Procedure and
Relations of
Department to
Local Committees.

2233

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involved the redistribution of the funds amongst various rural districts in proportion to their rate
contribution. I need hardly say that it was a hopeless scheme ; indeed, when I suggested that
one might go a step further and pay to each ratepayer the particular amount he had contributed
to the scheme under the rate and have a little technical scheme of his own it solved the question,
and we went back to a scheme for the county at large ; but in all cases those proposals from the
committee were fully discussed between the Department’s Inspector and the local authority, and
in all cases, I think, the agreement was arrived at as to how much of the proposals could be in-
corporated in the local scheme. In those early days the meetings between the committees and.
myself were very frequent indeed ; a number of proposals were made, and they were all anxiously
considered, and in the end, after much discussion, we arrived at schemes of technical instruction
very much on the lines of these at work to-day. I would desire to deal rather fully with the
question of our relations to these local bodies. I can speak with, I believe, a large amount of
first-hand knowledge on the subject. T have met, I believe, almost every local statutory technical
committee in Ireland, and in many cases my visits have been repeated a number of times. Let
me say at once that I have the very highest opinion of the usefulness of these bodies, and it is
due to their interest and enthusiasm, combined with what I believe to have been wise direction on
the part of the Department, that so much good work has been done. As I know these committees
from long and frequent meetings, I am convinced, speaking generally, of their earnestness and
keen desire to promote technical education in the areas dealt with by them. They have co-operated
with us during the last five years in working out an intensely difficult problem. Education differs
somewhat from other matters dealt with by Government departments. It cannot succeed without
the interest and good-will of the community as a whole ; it is useless to attempt to force it, and
although in certain directions progress might have been more rapid by direct effort, it. cei’tainly
could not have been so enduring. I am convinced that the only way to establish technical educa-
tion on a sound and healthy basis is to develop it on the lines now adopted, viz., through
committees of local authorities.”

See Subject-Index ;
County and Urban
District Committees.

County Boroughs.

Mulligan, 13507-
641.

Fletcher, 16647-97.

Evidence as to

Relations

generally.

We have received much evidence as to the relations between the Local
Authorities and the Department, and we are satisfied that the officers of
the Department have shown in the discharge of their duty much ability
and tact. The adjustment of schemes has involved the discussion of many
subjects which may readily give rise to differences of opinion, and upon
which on occasion these differences may readily become sharp. Every
scheme involves decisions upon the nature of instruction required in the
area; the methods of instruction to be adopted; the staff required; the
salaries of the staff ; the qualifications of the staff; arrangements for classes;,
allocation of funds available. In view of the number of Local Authorities
to be dealt with, the difficulty of practically originating a network of new
educational machinery to cover the whole country, and the scarcity of men
qualified in every way for the offices created, we are of opinion that, the
number of cases of friction between the Department and Local Authorities
has been surprisingly small. The cases which have attracted most atten-
tion have referred to the qualification of members of staff, and it appears
to us that the Department has not in this matter over-stepped its duty as
responsible for the greater part of the money involved.

187. It has been contended that, in the case of the County Boroughs at
least, the Department has exceeded its powers under the Act in
prescribing conditions as to the staff of Technical Institutions. By Sec-
tion 16 (1) (c) (i) of the Act, however, that portion of the annual sum of
£55,000 which is allotted as therein provided to County Boroughs is to be
applied by the respective Councils of those Boroughs in. aid of schemes
approved by the Department for the purposes of technical instruction.
The terms of the section appear to us to be amply sufficient to entitle the
Department to withhold its assent to any scheme which, either omits some
provision on which it insists or includes one to which it objects. It has
practically a veto on County Borough schemes. For instance, in our
opinion, the Department would be within its rights in requiring that there
should be a clause in the scheme making the approval of the Department
a condition of the appointment of a Headmaster, or providing any other
reasonable security that members of the staff are properly qualified. . A
dispute on a question of this kind led to serious difficulty in connection
with the scheme for technical instruction in the City of Dublin, a difficulty
which has considerably retarded progress there.

188. The administration of the Act during the past six years has brought
under the review of the Department a great number of schemes, of modifi-
cations of schemes, of proposals as to the organisation of educational
institutions and of appointments in such institutions. We realise that
local authorities may from time to time have difficulty in seeing eye to eye
with the Department, and we have been much impressed by the fact that".

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although all the 66 local authorities dealing with technical instruction were
invited to give evidence on the subject of our Reference, the number of
cases in which friction has arisen is extremely limited ; and even in these
cases we have been satisfied that the action taken by the Department has
been, on the whole, in the public interest.

189. We need not enter into details of methods of technical instruction.
Suffice it to say that these vary with the conditions under which the work
has to be carried on, and that many temporary expedients have been
made use of to meet initial difficulties. Some of the arrangements
adopted for temporary purposes have proved sufficiently effective to justify
their being retained, with necessary modifications, as elements in the
educational machinery even after the initial stages had passed. V ariety of
treatment has attended in a very special degree the steps taken towards
the provision of technical instruction directly bearing upon specific
industries. In this, section of the Department’s work, the nature of the
industry — the amount of knowledge, as distinct from manipulative skill,
required of the workers — the custom as to apprenticeship — the degree of
efficiency reached by existing workers — the need for new departures in
trade methods and many other factors vary so greatly that each case has
practically to be considered bv itself, and a method of providing the techni-
cal instruction likely to be effective has to be devised. Not all the methods
adopted have been successful ; but a great deal of excellent work has been
done and many satisfactory lines of action have been demonstrated. Much
ground has yet to be covered, but officers of the Department have now
obtained in various parts of the country a volume of experience that
enables them to give valuable guidance in any particular case which falls
to be dealt with. The adaptation of the matter and methods of instruction
to the existing conditions and the more immediate possibilities of each
locality call for very careful consideration. In conference with those who
are familiar with local circumstances, expert officers of the Department
can do much to work out schemes of technical instruction which will not
only benefit those who are wise enough to follow them, but will appeal to
the younger members of the community with sufficient force to secure their
attendance. An early prospect of personal advantage is more required as
an incentive in some places than in others, but in every place some such
prospect is a necessary feature of instruction where attendance is volun-
tary. These considerations emphasise the importance of distinguishing,
at least after the lower stages of continuation class work, the type of teach-
ing required by those whose occupations are certain to be essentially manual
and that required for those for whom manual work will be unnecessary,
except it may be as a preparation for duties of supervision or design. It
is in dealing with such differences that special advantage attaches to the
conference of local committees with expert advisers who have opportunities
of noting the result of experiments tried in many places and under varied
conditions.

190. The Act establishing the Department designates it a “ Department of
Agriculture and other Industries and Technical Instruction for Ireland.”
The Section dealing with expenditure of funds (Sec. 16), however, after
making provision for certain specific objects, including Technical Instruc-
tion, prescribes that the surplus shall be applied “for the purposes of
Agriculture and other rural Industries or sea Fisheries.” The powers of
the Department in the direction of promoting, improving or advancing
industries other than rural, are thus limited to what can be done under the
name of “Technical Instruction.” This expression is defined in the
following passage of Section 30 of the Act : —

“The expression ‘ Technical Instruction’ means instruction in the principles of science and
art applicable to industries, and in the application of special branches of science and art to specific
industries or employments. It shall not include instruction given in elementary schools or
teaching the practice of any trade or industry or employment, but save as aforesaid shall include
instruction in the branches of science and art with respect to which grants are for the time
being made by the Department, and another form of instruction (including modern language and
commercial subjects) which may for the time being be sanctioned by the Department, by a minute
laid before Parliament and made on the representation of a county or urban district council that
such form of instruction is required by the circumstances of its district, and shall also include
instruction in the use of tools, and modelling in clay, wood, or other material.”

Conditions and
methods of
Technical
Instruction.

Powers conferred
by the Act.

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9.8

■Promotion of

Industrial

welfare.

Passing aspects
of work.

191. The Department has shown a keen desire to promote Irish industries,
and the efforts made in this direction have taken many forms. The special
circumstances affecting the development of individual industries vary
almost as much as the industries ; and, indeed, the conditions under which
any particular industry will flourish are not alike in different parts of
the country. There are, however, certain aspects of preliminary education
and certain sections of technical education affecting both the producing
and the distributing relations of industries, that are of so wide application
as to require first attention in almost all parts of the country; and it has
been the duty of the Department to cover the country as speedily as possible
with a network of facilities for such education. We have pointed out
above that while aiming at the development of schemes of work which
would in the end provide for continuous training of young men and
women throughout the years during which, now-a-days, they may be in
part at least under instruction, the Department has had to establish many
agencies and many methods of work which are necessarily of but temporary
application. Something has had to be done for youths who are capable of
higher things, but have reached the age of 18 or 20 with no formal educa-
tion beyond that which they received before leaving the National School
at 13. In commercial, as in manufacturing, subjects, men whose know-
ledge of the subject-matter of study was not on the liberal scale proper for
teachers had to be accepted as instructors . while they were themselves
broadening their outlook and while others were being trained by
the more lengthy but more effective process mapped out for the
future. For Day Schools, Laboratories had to be provided, and teachers
trained to use these in the education of the pupils; for Evening Schools,
technical appliances for demonstration of principles applied in industries
had to be made available for the instruction of many whose preliminary
education fell much short of what it should be; while younger students were
pressed to enter upon a longer course of study which would in the end enable
them to obtain much greater benefit from the use of these same appliances.
So, in almost every relation of the educational work of the Department, any
steady progress towards a satisfactory ideal has necessarily been con-
current with efforts to do the best for those who will shortly pass beyond
the reach of the influence of any school, day or evening.

192. In estimating the value of the efforts of the Department to promote
the industrial welfare of Ireland by Technical Instruction, we must there-
fore keep in view both the passing and the permanent aspects of the work.
It is not in every case possible to distinguish these. Broadly speaking,
however, the former consists in the enriching and multiplying of the classes
for instruction in the evening that were represented by the classes under
the Department of Science and Art; in the establishment of specialised
trade classes, combining instruction in the principles underlying the trade
processes with just the minimum of teaching of science necessary to enable
the students to understand these at all; special courses of instruction for
teachers and generally forms of instruction calculated to turn to good account
very limited periods of study. Even attendance at well-arranged evening
courses for a couple of years has been shown to be of very great assistance in
helping young clerks, carpenters, engineers, plumbers, or others engaged
in skilled trades, to fit themselves for better work and more responsible
positions in their employments. Similar classes bearing upon domestic
arts have done much for young women who had not passed the period when
they might be expected to devote two or three evenings a week to study for
a couple of years. Again, classes for Manual Instruction and for Draw-
ing have found a wider field of usefulness. No doubt in the past few years
many students have been content to take instruction of this kind alone, not
following it up by further specific work; yet the training they have thus
received has been of definite advantage to them. Such classes represent
-•i portion of technical training which must find a prominent place
'n tfie earlier years of any course of instruction; and until full
provision is made for training in these subjects during the Elementary
School period, facilities must continue to be afforded for such work in Even-
ing Classes. We have been gratified to find how wide and how full has been
the appreciation of the Manual Training and Drawing Instruction already

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given, whether in Day Schools or in short local courses for those who have
left school, and we are confident that public opinion will give full support
to any extension of such instruction which the central and local authori-
ties may concur in pressing.

193. The latter aspect of the work again — the permanent — is illustrated by Permanent
the almost universal inclusion of an educative course of training in experi- met ods -
mental science and in drawing in the curriculum of Secondary Schools;

by the pushing forward of the provision for advanced Technical Courses
of instruction in Day Classes in Central Institutions ; and by the organisa-
tion of schools and classes for Further Education — especially further
Technical Education — which has now been definitely placed before the
■country in the Revised Scheme for the administration and distribution of
grants to schools other than Day Secondary Schools, issued last year.

194. In Secondary Schools and Technical Colleges, those who have from whole-time
boyhood a clear prospect of occupying in industry or commerce any of the Trauun s-
more important — more influential — positions, will obtain an education

which should fit them to acquire readily and in full measure the power of
gauging the relative importance of affairs and of adapting their methods
of manufacture or business to whatever changes may arise in the condi-
tions. For the higher training of those whose, initial advantages give
them special opportunities of leading in the commercial and industrial
advancement of the people, the country must look to the development of the
education given in Intermediate schools and in institutions for more
advanced and for specialised education of various kinds, whether provided
in the Royal College of Science, the Metropolitan School of Art, Provincial
Technical Schools, or the Universities.

195. Much, however, of the best talent is to be found among those who may Part-time
not have in early years the advantage of prolonged continuous education. Training,
and if any youth of parts is to have a fair chance of the success in life for

which his talents qualify him, an important stage of his education must
foe obtained in Evening Classes. We think that in the great organisation
of Evening Classes outlined in the Revised Scheme, to which we have
already referred as issued last year by the Department, there should be
found instruction suitable for the thousands of young men and women
who enter on the occupations of their life without having had an oppor-
tunity of benefiting by the higher teaching available in Day Classes. We
have already indicated that the possibilities of work under this scheme are
not as yet fully realised, and we would draw special attention to its im-
portance as putting clearly the organisation at which in this section the
activity of the Department aims.

196. The courses of instruction described in the scheme include a Pre- Evening Schools,
paratory Course for those whose elementary education requires to be brought

to bear more accurately upon their technical requirements, and Specialised
Courses in commercial subjects, in Science and in Art, and in these applied
to any trade or industry, in languages, in handicraft, and in domestic
science. We are of opinion that the method of work in technical educa-
tion there set forth promises to be well adapted to the needs of the urban
centres of population in Ireland. At the same time we recognise that even
yet in few of these centres has the organisation of technical education been
carried so far as to secure the full advantage of the scheme, indeed it is
only in urban centres of some importance that there would be sufficient
field to justify the maintenance of institutions affording classes throughout
the range described. At the same time, the scheme has been so drawn
that, in the lower grades of work for which it prescribes grants, there may
well be arranged courses of technical instruction which will go far to meet
the needs of students whose apprenticeship, or other earlier period of
industrial or commercial work, is passed in some of the smaller centres
where advanced courses cannot be provided.

For such smaller centres and for rural areas, however, the obstacle to
complete organisation that arises from the separate control of the lower
Evening Continuation Classes under the National Board, is at least as
serious as it is in the County Boroughs where the Local Authorities have
already felt the difficulty acutely. Evening Schools for pupils of lower
attainments than those whose case the Department’s Scheme meets, have to

N 2

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100

Practical aim in
Primary Schools.

Some Special
Courses-

Domestic Arts.

Fletcher, 2267-Q.

2293-301 ,

2291-9.

Fletcher, 22? 0.
Sta rkie, 3865-70.

Bean-an-Tighe

Classes.

Campbell, 1472.

serve a double purpose; in them pupils of promise and of energy who have
left the Elementary School before completing an Elementary Education
must find the assistance and guidance they need to raise them to the
standard at which the technical education proper for them begins. Others
who are likely to find their life work in industrial employment of a less
exacting kind, or in so-called unskilled labour, ought to have the advan-
tage of a few years of evening class attendance under instruction which
would at once interest them, help them to become more efficient workers,
and enable them to enter with more intelligence into the activities of the’
community and upon their duties as citizens.

197. We must emphasise the importance of the influence of the ’practical
aim in primary and higher primary education. It ought to have a marked
influence m the selection of matter and of method alike in the Elementary
Day Schools and in the lower grade of Evening Schools to which the social
and economic exigencies of the time relegate the completion and expansion
of much of the work of Day Schools. A practical bias in Elementary
Education is of great value in relation to the future of industries, not so
much m respect of the knowledge imparted to the pupils, as on account

of the influence on mental turn, almost on character, which it may have

an influence depending upon the cultivation of all the powers, those of
hand and eye as well as those of mind. In but a small part of Ireland are
industries at present so much developed, so far a part of the national life,
or so effective in relation to mental and manual powers, as to play the part
they do in communities where industries have been uninterrupted for a
century. There are some parts of Ireland where other conditions are
favourable for industrial development, and if industries are to have a
really good chance there, the education given in the schools— day and
evening— must do what can be done in school life to aid in the develop-
ment. Too much should not be expected from the schools, but whatever
they can do, they ought to do.

198. The Revised Scheme contains provisions for certain other methods of
Technical Education which are at present under trial— Day Technical
Classes, Day Technical Schools, and Courses m Science or Drawing for
Teachers. It is unnecessary at this point to say more as to these than that
there must be frequent need for trying special methods in particular
places or at particular times. The experience of the work of the Depart-
ment in the past five years has shown clearly that experiment in methods
of educational organisation is most essential.

Home Occupations and Industries.

199. Instruction in Domestic Arts has been included in the several County-
Schemes, and has proved a very acceptable form of Technical Instruction ; it
is one in which the initial years have served to show of how great advantage
would be a fully effective system of including such teaching in every school
course. "We have already referred to the advance that has been made in this
respect in Secondary Schools for Girls, and in the training of Teachers who
are to work in these and other schools, or as itinerant teachers in rural areas.
When the existing difficulties in the matter of suitable buildings and equip-
ment have been overcome, there can be little doubt that the influence of such
teaching will become as widespread as it is beneficial. We refer below to the
question of buildings generally, and we have already dealt with the teaching
of Domestic Arts in Primary Schools, to the steps taken for the extension of
that teaching, and to the need for still further effort in that direction.

200. One development of the ideal to be aimed at in the training of girls for
women’s work has been set out in the “ Bean-an-Tighe ” (the woman of the
house) Scheme. Under this there is suggested not only instruction in the
various arts which go to make the home more healthy, comfortable and
attractive, and .to cultivate economy in food and dress and cooking, sewing,
knitting, mending, washing, ironing, sick-nursing, but also training in rural
occupations which fall to the woman, dairying, poultry-keeping and the
like. With such work there is associated the teaching of lace or crochet
work or such other home industries as may be likely in each locality to

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enable girls and women to utilize their spare time so as to increase the
earnings of the family. In the Bean-an-Tighe Scheme, which is set out at
length in the memorandum quoted in Appendix II., provision is made for
the establishment of centres of this type which may be in buildings set aside
for the purpose, or in the home of a religious community, or of a private
individual.

201. Hitherto, however, the great part of the instruction in Home Industries
which has been provided under the Department’s Schemes has been carried
on by itinerant instructors. In this form it has met with a gratifying measure
of success, although it is still far from being as widely distributed as is desirable.
By Section 18 of the Act the operations of the Department were excluded from
the Congested Districts, but this restriction was removed by the repeal of that
Section in 1903. Since that year it has not been necessary to observe any
distinction in the working of the Schemes within the counties which contain
“ congested ” areas ; it may be noted, however, in passing, that this change
was not accompanied by any increase in the funds of the Department for the
promotion of such instruction. In the Congested Districts the Congested
Districts Board had organised a system of development of Home Industries
in accordance with which the teacher, after a time, devotes much of her
attention to supervising and arranging the work of those she has already
taught, the school becoming in effect a commercial undertaking. In these
areas the Department and the Congested Districts Board now work in concert,
so that the difficulties of dual control are minimised. At the same time, in
this, as in other matters, it would be of direct advantage to have the adminis-
tration of State assistance concentrated. It is probably, however, unnecessary
that any action should be taken in this matter pending the result of the
labours of the Royal Commission on Congestion in Ireland.

Relation of Technical Instruction to Industries.

202. We think that there is every reason to hope that the methods which we
have described as adopted by the Department in carrying out the provisions
of the Act for the promotion of the industrial welfare of Ireland by means
of Technical Instruction, will do much to further that object. The methods
have been characterised by an elasticity which has enabled the Department
to deal with the immediate necessities of the case without detriment to the
ultimate establishment of a more complete system. Indeed, the experience
thus gained of the variety of method required for the temporary needs, has.
afforded valuable guidance as to the lines for later work, and it has shown,
that there is no finality in the method. The principle on which the Depart-
ment has acted has been to adapt its methods to the conditions under which
the work has to be carried on. This principle, we think, should be carefully-
observed.

203. One of the conditions to which continuous attention should be paid,
at least so long as the industrial value of education is not generally
realised, is that the work of the technical classes in each locality should
be arranged so as to have as obvious as possible a bearing upon the employ-
ments in which the youth are most likely to improve the market for their
labours. This is not always easy; it is especially difficult in communities
where there is an absence of activity in industrial matters and an appear-
ance of reluctance to change old methods of work. Enough has already'
been accomplished to demonstrate the bearing of the work of the schools-
upon the interests of those engaged in what may be regarded as the middle
grade of commercial and industrial work. A longer period of well-
conceived effort is obviously necessary to effect any improvement on
industries by attention to the technical education of those whose earning
power depends upon intelligent and accurate handwork; yet wc believe
that if the educational machinery of the country were improved in
the respects to which we have here drawn attention, the prospects of indus-
trial development would steadily improve.

204. The powers of the Department in relation to industries other than
Agriculture and Rural Industries are restricted by the terms of the Act,
and we are not satisfied that a clear line of limitation has been maintained

Appendix II.

Home Industries.

Fletcher, 2269-
2302.

2307.

Efficiency of
methods oi
Technical
Instruction. .

Relations of
such work to
remunerative
results,

Restriction of
powers given by
the Act.

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Demand for
further aid to
industries other
than ratal.

See paragraph 118,

in the application of funds with a view to the advancement of industrial
efficiency. The varied character of the industries to which attention had
to be given has, no doubt, done much to obscure the line laid down by the
Act; and the title of the Act arouses an expectation of aid to industries
generally, which is not supported by any provision in the Act. Provision
is made for general aid to Agriculture and other Rural industries, but for
industries not rural the only aid specifically available is that by Technical
Instruction. It appears that, in the light of the experience gained in the
course of the past five years, the Department has now arrived at the posi-
tion that, in the case of non-rural industries, the funds allotted to technical
instruction by the Act may be applied to the cost of instruction in trade-
methods in so far only as that instruction is necessary to illustrate corre-
sponding instruction in the principles that underlie the practice concerned ;
that these funds cannot be applied towards the cost of making workers
expert in manipulation or towards the financing of . an industry.

205. We have had evidence to show that in a large part of Ireland urban
industries cannot be re-established without further aid than is proper
under this limitation. It has been pointed out to us that, in the develop-
ment of an industry involving operations new to the population of a
locality, the preliminary period of non-profitable effort through which
each individual worker has to pass, is of much greater length than can be
faced under ordinary conditions, and that the business as a whole is handi-
capped on this account as well as by the special difficulty of securing a
market for goods produced in a new locality.

We learn, too, that there is a special difficulty in obtaining capital for
manufacturing or other industrial ventures established in parts of Ireland
which have no existing connection with such enterprise.

It is obvious that aid of a financial kind — whether direct or indirect —
to enable new industrial projects to overcome initial difficulties, is beyond
the scope of the Act, and we are of opinion that whatever aid may at any
time be given in this direction ought to be quite distinct from aid by tech-
nical instruction. It would be highly undesirable to combine with the cost
of a well understood service like education, grants in aid of industries,
grants which would in any case require special justification, and would
have to be governed by conditions of a special character. The administra-
tion of grants in aid of industries would, indeed, be subject to considera-
tions, and would require experience quite different from those pertinent to
•educational work; this administration would, therefore, have to be in the
hands of officers whose training had been on lines different from those
charged with duties related to Technical Instruction.

It appears to us that some of the demands which have been made upon
the Department have been beyond the limits within which, according to
the proper interpretation of the Act of 1899, the action of the Department
should be confined; and, indeed, in some cases the Department itself has,
we think, overstepped these limits. We do not feel called upon to discuss
the question whether, either for the purpose of developing industry and
trade, or for the purpose of providing employment for the poorer classes
of the Irish urban population, or for both purposes combined, a large
expenditure of public money is justifiable or would be likely to be of ulti-
mate benefit to Ireland, or whether the action of the State should be
confined to providing the means of instruction best calculated to enable
Irish workers to take full advantage of such opportunities as already
exist or may hereafter be created by private enterprise.

Whatever view may be taken on the larger question, it appears to us
that the financing of industries, such as the Kilkenny Woollen
Mills, lies altogether outside the proper sphere of the Department’s
operations. We have seen that, as regards Agriculture, the establishment
of a special industry, even though it had not previously existed in Ireland,
and was established for an educational and not a commercial object,
aroused such opposition that it was brought to a premature end. Similar
difficulties would, in our opinion, inevitably arise in Ireland if the Depart-
ment were entrusted with the administration of State aid to specially

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selected industries, and we think, therefore, that the lines laid down by
the Act are right, and that the Department’s endowment should be ex-
pended only upon instruction which falls within the definition given in
the Act.

206. There is, however, one restriction in Section 30 of the Act of 1899,
quoted above, which is somewhat obscure and embarrassing — “ technical in-
struction” is not to include “ teaching the practice of any trade or industry or
employment.” The definition of technical instruction contained in the Act
was taken from the Technical Instruction Act, 1889, an Act which as regards
England was repealed and superseded by .the Education Act, 1902. The
textual limitation, therefore, no longer applies to England; there, however,
there are other very real limitations. The Act of 1902 provides that
the supply of all forms of Education other than Elementary is
in England a duty laid upon Local Authorities who are to take action in
this matter after consultation with the. Board of Education, and who are
to apply for the purpose all or as much as they deem necessary, of the
residue under Section 1 of the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Act,
1890, commonly known as the “Whisky Money,” together with such further
sums raised by rates as they think fit. The demands upon the funds thus
available include the maintenance of Secondary Schools, facilities for
Training of Teachers, grants in aid of University Colleges, expenditure
on Scholarship. Schemes and on Agricultural Education, as well as Tech-
nical Instruction in the sense in which the term is used in the Agriculture
and Technical Instruction (Ireland) Act. Teaching the practice of a
trade or industry or employment can be provided under the English Act
in so far only as the teaching falls under the head of Education; and, in
view of the cost of the many agencies that are already chargeable against
the funds for Higher Education, any work of this kind which a Local
Authority might undertake would entail in practice an additional call for
funds, which would fall to be met from rates. Proposals of the sort would
thus be subject to the strictest scrutiny, both as to character and as to. the
advantage likely to be conferred on the community. Such conditions
appear to afford sufficient safeguard against a Local Authority
assuming duties in industrial training that ought to rest with individual
employers and manufacturers. We think that the application of similar
considerations in Ireland would suffice, without the limitation prescribed
by the Act in specifically excluding “ teaching the practice of any trade or
industry or employment.” We recognise that in much of the educational
work which is undoubtedly authorised by the Act, it is necessary to enforce
lessons on principles, on materials, or of method, by a certain amount of
practical work which may well be, and indeed often must be, of a definitely
trade character. Such practical work is for educational purposes, and
clearly falls within the limits of the Act. On the assumption that in any
future legislation on this subject it is made clear that the application of'
the funds devoted to technical instruction should all be within the sphere-
of education, the reference to teaching the “ practice of a trade ” as a limi-
tation to “ technical instruction ” should be removed from the Act.

It has been represented to us that the provision in Section 30 (1) of
the Act, that “ Technical Instruction ” “ shall not include instruction given
in Elementary Schools,” places, an artificial restriction in the way of
utilising as fully as possible the services of local, instructors in Domestic
Arts, and in Manual Training. Such practical instruction is often, as a.
matter of fact, more conveniently given in another place than the National
School, in which case the legal difficulty would not arise. At the same time
the complication involved in this matter is a striking example of the objec-
tions to the great sub-division of the administration of the educational field
in Ireland. It is clear that as manual training and instruction in the
Domestic Arts ought to be, in the fullest sense, elements in the education
provided by the primary schools, the payment of grants in aid of these, and
the administration of such grants, ought to be in the same hands as other
matters concerned in the elementary schools. It would be an obvious
economy that the trained technical teachers in the districts should take
part in such teaching. In any changes that may be made by legislation any
barrier against their doing so should be removed.

Terms of the
definition of
“ Technical
Instruction.”

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Central Institutions.

Institutions 207. The powers and duties of the Department of Science and Art wh eh

transferred to we re transferred to the new Department in 1899, carried the administration of

Department. several important central Institutions. We do not find it necessary to deal

with these in detail, but we may say generally that several of them have
been brought into closer relations with the other activities for which the
Botanic Gardens. Department is responsible. Thus, the Botanic Garden Staff lend useful aid
in the development of schemes bearing on Horticulture. Again, part of the
work of the College of Science forms a section of the course of instruction in
Agriculture for those who are to be instructors in Agriculture. In its main
function, however, as an institution for advanced study in Science and for the
College of Science, training of teachers of Science, the College has been greatly hampered by the
very narrow limits of space available. A new building for it is now in course
of erection, and the place of the College in the educational system of Ireland
will doubtless form matter of careful consideration before that building nears
completion.

National Library. 208. We made no special enquiry as to the National Library, and inasmuch
Metropolitan as another Committee was dealing with the relations of fhe Metropolitan

School of Art. School of Art we refrained from dealing with that institution ; at the same

time we were impressed by the necessity that it should be related as definitely
as possible, to the teaching of Art in the other schools of the country, and in
particular to the movement for affording what guidance experts can give in
the early stages of developing minor art crafts.

Museum of 209. The manner in which the Department has administered the Museum of

Science and Art. Science and Art was criticised by representatives of the Board of Visitors of
the Museum. We think that it is a matter for regret that there has not been
greater confidence between the Department and the Visitors, as we are satis-
fied that the difficulties which have arisen might well have been prevented by
occasional personal interviews at an early stage of the new administration.
Under the Department the Museum staff as a whole has been increased, but the
Museum interests have been occasionally allowed to suffer by the withdrawal
of senior officers for increased duties in connection with other work under the
Department. Notwithstanding this, we recognise that much has been done
in the past six years. to increase the usefulness of the Museum. Judicious addi-
tions to the collections, well-considered methods of exhibition and energetic
production of cheap guide-handbooks show that the development of° the
Museum has not been neglected. We wish to note in particular the organisa-
tion of a system of circulating to schools and local classes carefully selected
objects with good descriptive labels. These bring simple examples before
young people of school age who are not likely to be able to visit the Museum
in Dublin. The system is really an arrangement for giving some of the
..advantages of school museums to schools not in a position to provide collections
for themselves. It is a part of the school organisation which gains in con-
venience and in economy by being centred in the Museum.

Buildings.

210. We have had much evidence of the difficulty Local Authorities have
found in providing suitable buildings for the work of technical instruction.
Hasty action, involving capital expenditure for the purpose of simplifying
arrangements for the accommodation of classes, was clearly inadvisable in
the early years of the work, when neither the Local Authorities nor the
Department could have gauged in all cases the extent or character of the
accommodation which was necessary. In very many places now, however,
there has been sufficient experience of the work of technical instruction to
form a basis for determining the type of rooms and appliances which
would afford greatest facilities for the work to be done. The question of
buildings has thus now become one requiring very early attention. Not a
few Urban Local Authorities have already taken action in it, and the
liabilities which they have incurred, or may soon incur, for the cost of
erecting and equipping buildings for technical classes are causing them

Assistance
required for cost
of buildings.

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some anxiety. They anticipate that unless they receive some special
assistance in this matter they will be crippled in their actual teaching
operations. It is, however, possible that some of them at least may
find that the more liberal scale of grants available under the Revised
Scheme for the application of the annual Parliamentary Grant will enable
them to meet the additional cost of extended and improved classes without
any increased subsidy from the Department’s endowment. Where this
proves to be the case, they may be able to continue to face the payments of
interest and to sinking funds in respect of their buildings, and yet to utilise
fully the accommodation they have had the courage to provide. Neverthe-
less, even in those areas, it is desirable that some special assistance may be
available in order that no serious drag be put upon the progress of Tech-
nical Instruction by the inadequacy of funds for the maintenance of
facilities for which accommodation is provided.

211. In Urban areas the case might be met by an arrangement under which
grants in aid of building would be made under conditions which would tend
to promote among Local Education Authorities due financial foresight and
a determination to see that nothing was left undone to secure full benefit
of Parliamentary Grants available as sources of income. Thus in connec-
tion with every application for whatever aid may be made possible in the
case of buildings there should be a careful examination (1) of a detailed
estimate of the probable income and expenditure .in connection with the
maintenance of the facilities for which the proposed building was intended
to provide, and (2) as to the probability that advantage would be taken of
these facilities in the special field concerned. It is of obvious benefit that
there should be a clear understanding upon such matters before capital
expenditure is undertaken or grants are authorised in aid of such
expenditure.

212. In Rural areas it may be found practicable to make more use of exist-
ing buildings for educational purposes. In these areas, however, the
problem has a wider application, for, while in many localities the National
Schools and what private buildings are moderately suitable for class pur-
poses may meet the case, there are others, and many of these are localities of
considerable populations, where something is required in addition to the
accommodation thus available. The work fostered by the Agricultural
Branch of the Department, as well as that under the Technical Branch,
requires some centre of operations the use of which will be free from the
complications that arise in the National School. In addition to all such
classes, however, there are not a few other activities in a rural area, some
clearly educational, some largely philanthropic, and some frankly recrea-
tive, which require occasional accommodation of a kind which is at present
represented in but a few more fortunate places. The provision of Village
Halls is a matter which directly and indirectly bears very strongly on the
educational, social and economic interests of the people. The education
secured by many of the influences here contemplated is, no doubt, too informal
to be within the scope of the Act ; but it is so pertinent to the objects which
the Act aims at promoting that we feel bound to commend for favourable
consideration certain proposals which have been put before us as likely
to help in this end. It may be found that no uniform scheme
could be adopted, and there is, therefore, the more need to record any
which, in one place or another, has been found to give, or promises to give,
good results.

213. The value of any such local opportunities as are represented by the
existence of Village Halls depends upon effective local effort in making
occasions for using them to good purpose. It is, therefore, well that, as
in the Department’s scheme for loans on such halls, real local support
should be forthcoming for the erection of the building. The public spirit
which produces this initial support is the best guarantee of subsequent
interest in the educational and social life that would centre round the hall.

A convenient summary of the views that have come before us on this
matter is afforded in the evidence given by Mr. M. A. Ennis, J.P., who was
deputed to appear before us on behalf of the Irish County Councils’

Buildings in
Urban areas.

Buildings in
Rural areas.

Village Halls.

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’General Council as well as on behalf of the Wexford County Council and
the Wexford Municipal Technical Institute. He said : —

] 1033- “ We in the. County Wexford have founded several village halls with the aid of the Depart-

ment, and there was a resolution passed at the meeting of the Irish General Council of County
Council's on the 25th of August, on the motion of Mr. Thomas Power (Waterford), seconded by
Mr. H. Brennan (Sligo) : —

“ ‘ That in view of the immediate pressing need of suitable buildings in rural and urban
centres for purposes of itinerant technical instruction and instruction in agriculture; it is
advisable that County Councils should acquire rural courthouses and discontinued bridewells
in towns, and, subject to the necessary employment of the former for petty sessions, that
they should place these buildings in the control of the County Committees of Agriculture
and Technical Instruction, to be used by them for the various purposes of itinerant technical
instruction and instruction in agriculture, and also for village libraries. That the County
Council, when necessary or advisable, should purchase these buildings, and have control of
same, with powers to enlarge, or otherwise render them suitable for the purposes of
Committees ; and that the Department should contribute towards their enlargement and
maintenance.’

. . “ Now, I should like to support, as far as possible, what Mr. Power advocated here to-day,

that is, that in the rural districts of Ireland these petty sessions courts, which are locked up,
nearly all the rural petty sessions being only held once a month, and seeing that buildings for the
purpose of technical instruction and amusement are sadly needed in country districts, I think
that, whilst making all provisions for the use of these courthouses for special courts, or whenever
necessary, that at other times they should be utilized for local purposes, but the numbers of those
buildings would not be sufficient to cover all the needs ; there are twelve petty sessions districts
in Wexford, and some of these are in the towns, so the number of rural petty sessions courts
would not probably exceed eight or nine ; that would be an inadequate number for thirty-five
parishes, and therefore we suggest that help should be given by the County Committees, aided by
the Department, towards the provision of village halls in each parish to serve the purposes of
affording facilities for education and healthy rational amusement to the people, village libraries
and rooms where the people of the parish can meet, and that these halls should be under the
control of the local Committee, and in exchange for a contribution made towards their erection
and maintenance by the Department and County Committee, that the Department and County
Committee should have the use of them at all times for lectures and manual instruction, and other
purposes. In the last two sessions of work connected with my County Committee the Depar tment
have sanctioned grants for some of these purposes, and we believe the Department have at present
in hands a scheme in connection with village halls for the advance of money at a low rate of
interest. ”

These halls would be principally

11034- *• For utilisation for the purpose of technical schools. It is not suggested that the total cost

should be provided.”

As to the balance required in addition to what was advanced by the
Department, *

11035- “ The locality would provide the money out of private subscriptions. The scheme of the

Department is that a local Committee should be formed who would undertake the repayment
of principal and interest within ten years of the sum of money to be granted. Personally I fear
that would be found to be rather unworkable, and I would prefer to see an arrangement
whereby any locality which took a sufficient interest in the work to provide two-thirds of the
proposed amount would receive a free grant of one-third in return for the user of the building
at all times needed bv the Department and its Committee.”

Wexford, to which the experience and project quoted by Mr. Ennis
refers, is 'no doubt an exceptional county, but Mr. Ennis expressed the
opinion that a large number of the Irish counties could be relied upon to
provide funds for the purpose if they received the assistance he indicated.
The assistance which the scheme of the Department offers in this matter
is, of course, measured by the necessities of technical instruction, but there
appears to us to be no reason why, within that limitation, the scheme might
not be worked so as to secure for the country all, or at least most of, the
advantages contemplated.

214. The Association of Technical Institutions has put before us an esti-
mate, based upon a careful enquiry, as to the cost of providing suitable
buildings for technical instruction. It places this at an annual sum of
not less than £20,000, or a corresponding capital amount. We have not
verified this estimate, but we believe it gives a fair indication of the magni-
tude of the call upon building and equipment in respect of schools required
for the work of instruction. Of course, the commitments of various Local
Authorities for expenditure on work already completed, or in hand, are
responsible for part, but only part, of this estimate.

Estimate of
assistance
required for
Technical School
buildings.

Rev. P. J. Dowling,
■ 15633-53.

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VI.

TRANSFERRED POWERS AND DUTIES.

In addition to the new powers and duties with which the Department
is directly charged by the Act, a number of duties previously discharged
by other Departments were transferred. These are enumerated in Sec-
tion 2, and Section 4 authorises the Lord Lieutenant to transfer to the
Department the powers and duties of other Government Departments in
Ireland. Of the powers and duties thus transferred, those relating to
Technical Instruction have been dealt with under that head. Those of the
Inspectors of Fisheries have been mentioned under the head of Fisheries.
There remain those relating to Agriculture.

215. Prior to the transfer effected by Section 2, which came into operation
on 1st April, 1900, the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council was
the Central Authority charged with the duty of the administration of the
Acts for the prevention of contagious diseases in animals, the local execu-
tion of these Acts being vested in the Boards of Guardians and the County
Borough Councils as the Local Authorities, and in the Police. ^ The powers
and duties of the Central Authority, together with the Staff engaged in
connection with it, which was also transferred to the Department, have
been assigned to the special care of a Veterinary Branch.

The diseases dealt with under the Diseases of Animals Acts, and under
Orders made by the Department pursuant to the powers conferred upon
them, are eleven, viz. : “ Cattle Plague, Pleuro-Pneumonia, Foot and
Mouth Disease, Anthrax, Rabies, Swine Fever, Sheep Pox, Sheep Scab,
Glanders, Parasitic Mange, Epizootic Lymphangitis. The Department
have also power to make regulations regarding the transit of animals by
rail and sea, and the importation of animals from other .countries. There
are at present 28 general Orders in force relating to diseases or animal
transit.” Mr. Cantrell, who has been Chief Clerk of the Veterinary De-
partment from 1878 to 1900, and was transferred with the Staff, is now
Chief Clerk of the Department of Agriculture, and is charged, along with
the other duties detailed in his evidence, with the general administrative
work of the Veterinary Branch.

Mr. Matthew Hedley, V.S., Chief Veterinary Inspector, was. also
transferred, and under these Officials the work of the Diseases of Animals
Acts continues as before.

The new development of the work of the Veterinary Branch under the
Department in connection with the transit of agricultural produce has
been dealt with in paragraph 122. Complaints were made against this
Branch of laxity in their efforts to stamp out Swine Fever, and in per-
mitting the introduction of Epizootic Lymphangitis and Glanders. The
first of these charges was made by Mr. Joseph Mooney, and seems to be
fully answered by the facts and figures quoted in the evidence of Mr.
Hedley, V.S. The second was made by Mr. Mooney, Mr. John Sweetman,
and Mr. Watson, V.S., and seems to rest on no other foundation than that
the diseases did not originate in this country, but were believed to have
been introduced in the one case by Army horses, and in the other through
some tramway horses from Glasgow. Both these matters were also dealt
with by Mr. Hedley, and appear to us to have been sufficiently answered.

216. Several suggestions have been made for alterations in the existing law.
Those that seem to us most important are (1) that the powers of the Local
Government Board exercised through Public Health Officers in relation
to the inspection of dairies and cowsheds should be transferred to the
Department and exercised through their Veterinary Inspectors; (2) the
enforcement of the Mallein test; (3) the establishment of Veterinary Dis-
pensaries or other means of providing free or cheap veterinary assistance
to farmers, more particularly in the poorer districts. These are matters
well worthy of consideration. The establishment of Veterinary Dispen-
saries in particular raises questions of great importance, and of much
difficulty. ■

O 2

Transfer of
powers of Privs?
Council,
Veterinary-
Department.

Cantrell, 3257

3255-66.

1 1654-6S.

14216-8.

14226-8.

Mooney, 11G43-54.
Sweetman, 14301 -1(\
Watson, 12058-70.
Hedley, 14219-26.

Suggestion^.

(1) Cameron, 1369! -8.
Watson, 12072-91.
Kennedy, 12997-8.
Hedley, 14236-40.

(2) Watson, 12092-7
Hedley, 14240.

(3) Ennis, 11051.
Bolger, 10592-3 '
Hvnes, 6200.
Mason, 12302-24;
Hedley, 14231-y A

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Royal Veterinary
College.

Nixon, 14022.

•r

1402&

3404&.

14068.

14070-

Nixon, ll4QbO„

Destructive
Insects Act.

Fertilisers and
Feeding Stuffs
Act.

O’Doherty, 7612-26.
Boyle, 10696.

Mog.w, 12395-8.

108

217. Although the administration of the Royal Veterinary College has not.
been directly transferred to or vested in the Department, it may be con-
venient here to refer to the connection between that Institution and the.
Department consequent on the provisions of the Act.

The Royal Veterinary College was established by Charter in 1895, but
although a Parliamentary Grant-in-aid of £15,000 had been promised by
Mr. Morley, then Chief Secretary, the Government went out of office before
the sanction of Parliament was obtained to the grant, and no funds were
available until the passing of the Agriculture and Technical Instruction
(Ireland) Act, The Charter provided for the creation of a Board of
Governors, thirty-two in number, twelve of whom were to be nominated by
the Crown, four by the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland*
and four by the subscribers.

By Section 16 (1) (a) of the Act it is provided that out of the Depart-
ment’s" Endowment Fund “a capital sum, which shall not, save with the
“ concurrence of the Agricultural Board, exceed £15,000, shall be applied.
“ for the purpose of providing suitable buildings, fittings and appliances
“for the Royal Veterinary College of Ireland.” The application of this,
money was made “subject to any conditions which the Department may
“ require.”

The Department required, previous to applying the capital money
above referred to, that a scheme should be submitted to it for the working
of the College, and that the Charter should be altered by increasing the
number of Governors to forty, “ the additional eight members thus provided
“to be appointed by the Department.”

These conditions were complied with, and the Department, with the con-
currence of the Agricultural Board, granted the sum of £15,000 mentioned
in the Act, and, in addition, a further capital sum of £5,000. A sum of
£1,000 had also been obtained from the Royal Dublin Society. £20,000
had been expended in acquisition of site and erection of temporary and of
permanent buildings, and the Governors were seeking, in addition, a fur-
ther Grant of £10,000 from the Department. This, although it would not
enable the original plan of the Governors to be carried out, would still
afford sufficient accommodation.

Although the Department had the “keenest possible interest in the
working of the Veterinary College,” and “was extremely sympathetic,
towards the movement from its inception,” a controversy had arisen with
reference to this additional grant of £10,000, and to an annual grant of
£400 in aid of current expenses claimed by the Governors, which was.
brought before us by Sir Christopher Nixon. The matter is still the sub-
ject of discussion between the Department and the Governors. We do not
feel that we can usefully offer any observations.

218. No particular action . appears to have been taken by the Department
under the powers vested in it by this Act, which is entitled “ An Act for
preventing the introduction and spreading of insects destructive to crops/”
and was designed chiefly to give protection against the Colorado Beetle*
nor does it appear from any evidence given to us that such action was called
for during the period of its administration.

219. It would appear from the returns given in the annual reports that
the number of persons sending samples of Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs
for analysis has largely increased since the transfer to the Department of
the powers formerly exercised by the Privy Council, but the extent to
which the Act is being utilised still falls far short of what is necessary to-
give effectual protection to the purchasers of these articles.

The reasons why there has been a comparative failure, particularly
amongst the smaller "farmers, in taking advantage of the provisions of this
Act, are set out in the evidence of Mr. E. H. O’Doherty, Secretary of the
Donegal County Committee; Mr. John F. Boyle, Secretary of the Water-
ford County Committee; and Mr. W. J. Megaw, formerly Agricultural In-
structor for County Down, but now in charge of Athienry Agricultural

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109

Station, and who was deputed to give evidence on behalf of the Agricul-
tural Instructors’ Association. All these witnesses were agreed that the
provisions of the Acts, particularly in regard to the taking of samples,
were entirely too elaborate and cumbersome to be available to the ordinary
farmer, and that the Acts would afford no real protection until the pro-
cedure was simplified.

220. The powers and duties of the Registrar- General with reference to Statistics,
statistics relating to Agriculture and those of the Irish Land Commission
with reference to the collection and publication of returns of average prices
of agricultural produce, which were transferred by Section 2 of the Act of
3899, were not prescribed or regulated by Statute. Subsequently, the
duties performed by the Registrar- General in the collection and publication
of the banking, railway and shipping statistics of . Ireland were under-
taken by the Department. The transfer of the duties of the Veterinary
Department of the Privy Council, involved those relating to the statistics
formerly compiled by that Department relating to imports and exports of
live stock. The Department undertook, in addition, the task of compiling
and publishing statistics relating to trade — import and export statistics—
without which it was believed no adequate idea could be formed of the
economic condition of Ireland. These statistics were entirely new, and
owing to the fact that there is no customs barrier between Ireland and
Great Britain, and that the information had to be collected from a variety
of persons and bodies, most of whom were, under no obligation to furnish
information, the task was one of extreme difficulty.

For these purposes, a Statistics and Intelligence Branch was formed,
which was placed under the superintendence of the late Mr. W. P. Coyne,
and after his death of Mr. W. G. S. Adams.

Outside the statistical work of this Branch there are other sections;
the inquiry and intelligence work, the press editing and management of Adams, 2884-3022.
publication work, and the despatch and distribution work. These sec-
tions are also new, but may be regarded as a development of the statistical
work, and inseparable from it.

The statistical work transferred from the Registrar- General, the
Irish Land Commission, and the Veterinary Department of the Privy
Council, has been continued on practically the same lines as. by those bodies;
previously, but the returns have been made more generally interesting and
intelligible by the insertion of charts, diagrams and maps illustrating
special features. Recently, the instructions to collectors have been 2809-914.:
thoroughly revised, with a view to securing greater accuracy, this action
having been taken as the result of a discussion at the Council of Agriculture.

The details of these statistics, and of the procedure and powers of
the Department in collecting them, will be fully found set out in Mr.

Adams’ evidence. Their value to all interested in agriculture, in the trade,
and commerce of the country, and in the development of its resources, can
hardly be over-estimated. It is, above all, important that such returns
should be accurate and reliable, and with a view to securing these condi- ie361 . 106
tions, it would appear that further statutory powers, particularly in the
case of Trade Statistics, are desirable.

221. The powers and duties of the Irish Land Commission under the Acts Markets and
mentioned in the margin are now vested in the Department, and no par- Fa “ s ’ Weighing
ticular change has been made in the policy of their administration. A igs^lnd 1891
number of new weighing machines have been erected at various fairs, and
exemption orders have been granted to a number of Market Authorities
under the Department’s powers wherever the sale of cattle is likely lo be so
small as to render it inexpedient to enforce the provisions of the Act.

No evidence was offered to us on this subject.

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110

Sources of
Revenue.

The Endowment
Fund.

Annual Income.

' Paragraph 81.
-Gill, 16824.

Capital.

VII. !

FINANCE.

222. We are instructed by the Order of Reference to report upon the funds
at the disposal of the Department and the modes of employing them. The
revenue of the Department is derived (1) from what is called the Endow-
ment Fund, (2) from interest on accumulations thereof, and (3) from Parlia-
mentary votes. A statement of these funds and of the present position of
the finances of the Department will be found in the Memorandum and
Tables set out in the Appendix, XX.

223. The Endowment Fund consists of (1) certain annual sums paid over
to the Department each year under the provisions of the Act of 1899, (2) of
capital sums allotted to the Department by the Act.

224. (1) The annual income provided by Section 15 of the Act of 1899
consists of : —

(a) A sum of £78,000 from the Local Taxation (Ireland) Account.

(b) A sum of £70,000, being part of the annual income derived from

the surplus of the Irish Church Temporalities Fund. This sum
was made payable annually for fifteen years from the com-
mencement of the Act. At the expiration of that time, the
1 payment was to be of “such sum as, in the opinion of the

Treasury, can be paid without impairing any of the securities
existing at the commencement of the Act on that Fund.”

grant as an equivalent for the salaries of judgeships and other
offices abolished or left vacant.

(d) A sum of £6,000 per annum, being the amount of a Parliamentary

grant paid to the National Education Board in connection with
the Albert and Munster Institutions, as has already been stated.

The total of the income thus provided was £166,000. In addition
to this amount, £5,000 per annum, which previously had been paid annually
out df the Local Taxation Account to the Royal Dublin Society, was trans-
ferred to the Department, and in 1903, by agreement, as already stated, an
annual sum of £2,000 became payable to the Department by the Congested
Districts Board. For this payment, however, there is no Parliamentary
sanction, and it might be withdrawn at any time. In 1903-4, as has been
explained, a contribution was made from the Ireland Development Grant
for Technical Instruction of a sum of £3,500, and in 1904-5 this was in-
creased to £7,000 per annum. Adding, therefore, these four last-mentioned
sums to the original income of £166,000, the income of the Department
since 1905 has been £180,000. This is subject, as already mentioned, to
contingencies as regards the portion derived from the Irish Church Tem-
poralities Fund and the contribution from the Congested Districts Board.

225. The capital of the Endowment Fund consists of : —

f £166,886

(а) Three sums, being monies not required for the pur- 15,000

pose of Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, j 3,129

Section 15 (a),

£185,015
f £4,602

(б) Two sums, being Sea and Coast Fisheries Fund ' 443

transferred to the Department by Section 15 (c), )

£5,045

and

These sums form, strictly speaking, the capital of the Endowment Fund,
and are so distinguished in the memorandum above referred to.

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Ill

226. During the earlier part of the Department’s operations, considerable
savings were made out of the current income. By Section 16 (3 and 4) of
the Act of 1899 it was provided that any money not expended in any finan-
cial year upon authorised purposes should be accumulated, and might be
spent in any subsequent year upon these purposes. Accumulations might
be invested in Trustee Securities. Under these powers investments were
made, the details of which are given in the memorandum above mentioned.
The amounts annually invested have largely diminished as the expenditure
of the Department has increased. Thus, in 1900-1, £199,724 was invested
and £129,000 carried forward, the net expenditure for the year being
£26,776. On July 10th, 1906, the value of the investments held by the
Department was £395,230. In addition, loans to the amount of £21,390
were outstanding for the various purposes mentioned previously in this
Report.

227. On April 1st, 1906, various appropriations of this fund had been
made; these are enumerated in Table II. of the Memorandum, and
amounted to £122,540. The Memorandum proceeds to deal with the
balance of the sum of £395,230 remaining after deducting the above-men-
tioned sum of £122,540. Table III. shows the unexpended balance of the
grants already made by the Agricultural Board which will fall to be paid
when the works are undertaken and the schemes mature. These, in fact,
are estimated liabilities which will probably have to be met in the near
future. They amount to £139,960, reducing the accumulated savings to
£132,730.

The next Table (IV.) shows the estimated annual income of the
Endowment Fund. Besides the contribution from the Congested Districts
Board, there are two items which are more or less uncertain : these are the
£70,000 at present secured until 1914, as above explained, and the item
“interest on securities” and on monies deposited, say, £10,000. Having
regard to the estimated position of the accumulated savings above stated,
it seems to us that this interest cannot be relied on as a permanent asset.
The available income of the Department must be taken, apart from any
interest on the sum of £132,730, at £180,000.

Table V. shows the estimated annual expenditure to be met from the En-
dowment Fund. The expenditure on Technical Education from this source is
£62,000, being the £55,000 allotted by Section 16 (1) (c) ( i ) of the Act of
1899, and the grant of £7,000 referred to on pages 9 and 114. The list of
grants sanctioned with the concurrence of the Board of Technical Instruc-
tion, and the Agricultural Board, constitute, as the heading of the Table
indicates, the estimate of the expenditure for the year 1906-7. The total
amount of these grants is £197,000; adding to this'the £11,000 per annum
mentioned in the Table as grants not subject to such concurrence, the total'
estimated expenditure for that year comes to £208,000. This, of course,
assumes that the whole of the covering estimates will be expended, which
will probably not be the case.

228. Upon these figures the estimated expenditure exceeds the estimated
income, excluding interest on investments, by £28,000 per annum. This
£28,000 would, in about seven years, exhaust the remaining accumulation,
which in July last stood at £132,700.

It has not been practicable for us to examine this estimated expendi-
ture in detail. The principal items of expenditure, other than those con-
nected with technical instruction, are itinerant instruction, £8,000; im-
provement of live stock, £12,000, and special investigations, £9,000.
These are payments direct from the Endowment Fund and not contribu-
tions to the Joint Fund. Under the head of votes to County Committees
the principal items are : — Live Stock Schemes, £15,000, and other Agri-
cultural Schemes, £20,400.

Taking the view we do of the benefits which, in our opinion, are
proved to have resulted and are likely to continue to result from the
“ methods of the Department,” we are unable to say that any portion of
the expenditure which these figures show has been excessive.

The questions which arise on the figures above set out would seem
to be : (1) Can any economies be effected, and, if so, in what direction
and by what means ? (2) What, if any, additional funds are needed (a) to

Accumulations.

Appropriations of

accumulated

Funds.

16899.

Financial

position.

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Expenditure by

Agricultural

Board.

Bishop of Ross,
3094-7.

Lough, 12235-80.

12205-8.

874-916.

12236-76.
See 3094

'Montgomery,

3321-30.

Dunne, 3778.

Need for
economy.

. 3087.

1763-6, 15231,16456

See Bishop of Ross,
30S1.

• 1 12

equalise income and expenditure; ( b ) in view of the rapid development of
the work of the Department, to carry out effectively the “ purposes ” of the
Act of 1899?

229. If the provisions of the Act and methods of the Department lead to
extravagance in expenditure they would not be “ well suited to the condi-
tions of Ireland.” It is our duty to express our opinion whether the Act of
1899 or the methods which the Department has followed are fairly open to
criticism on these grounds. The Act provides, with regard to the general
surplus of the Endowment Funds, after the annual payments specified in
Section 16 have been made, that the particular application of any portion
of it can only be made with the concurrence of the Agricultural Board, or if
the expenditure relates to Technical Instruction, of the Board of Technical
Instruction. The working of this provision has been repeatedly illustrated
in the course of this Report. The practice of the Agricultural Board is
for a general vote to be taken upon any particular proposal of the Depart-
ment on a special object, such, for instance, as the vote for the Cork Exhibi-
tion. After the expending of the money thus authorised, an account show-
ing, in a summary form, the details of expenditure is periodically sub-
mitted to the Board. The full details of the expenditure are available for
every member of the Board. The system and its working was fully dis-
cussed in the course of the examination of Mr. Arthur Lough, a member
of the Council of Agriculture and of the Agricultural Board, who justified
the working of the present system except in reference to one particular
case. He thought the payments which were made to the officers of the
Irish Agricultural Organisation Society for the work done for the Depart-
ment in the earlier years of its existence had not been properly brought
before or explained to the Board. The origin and history of these pay-
ments has been already referred to, and was fully stated by Mr. Gill in
evidence. With this exception, Mr. Lough, who was closely examined on
the point, considered that the system worked well, and substantially con-
formed to the requirements of the Act. The approval of the Board is, as
was pointed out by the Bishop of Ross, given generally to the project and
to the estimate. The estimate is not often exact; probably, now more
experience has been gained, more precise and detailed estimates will
be laid before the Board in reference to special applications of the Endow-
ment Fund. It seems that the procedure of approval of an estimate, and
afterwards giving a covering sanction under certain heads, is a course
which must necessarily be followed by a body constituted as the Agricul-
tural Board is, and holding meetings at intervals of a few weeks. Every-
thing turns on the care and accuracy with which the necessary information
is supplied to the Board.

We had before us other members of the Agricultural Board and
several members of the Council of Agriculture, and have examined the
minutes of the Agricultural Board. We find no reason to dissent from
the views expressed by the Bishop of Ross, and Mr. Lough, that the Agri-
cultural Board does exercise careful and effective control over the expendi-
ture of the Endowment Fund.

230. The question remains, assuming the Act to remain unaltered, in
what direction can economies in the expenditure be looked for? The
time seems to have come when the Department and the Agricultural
Board are in a position to form some opinion as to the nature of the
expenditure likely to produce the best results. For instance, as the Bishop
of Ross points out, the great expenditure which in the early stages in the
history of the Department was thought justifiable at the Cork Industrial
Exhibition and . St. Louis Exhibition, in order to show “ who we were
and what we were,” would hardly be justifiable now.

Professor Campbell states that he thinks the Department, owing to
the shortness of money, has reached its maximum expenditure on the
Cattle Scheme. He admits that the time may come for reducing the
expenditure because the object of the contribution— the improvement of
the breeding of cattle — has been sufficiently attained, but thinks that time
is remote. It may.be that stall feeding and fattening cattle may become
unremunerative owing to the great increase in the supply of foreign cattle,
and then farmers would have to turn their attention more to dairying and

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113

pig-breeding. All these considerations affect the future expenditure of
the Department and show the necessity of close attention to economic con-
ditions. We do not, however, see that there is at present a prospect of any
reduction of this part of the Department’s expenditure.

„ , £ , Parliamentary

231. Table No. XXI. in the Appendix shows the estimates framed for each Vote .
of the years 1900-1 to 1906-7, of the amounts required for payment of the
salaries and expenses of the Department, and of the services administered by
the Department . In the criticisms which have been made of the magnitude
of the expenditure of the Department, it seems to be frequently forgotten
that the Act of 1899 not only provided for expenditure for purposes
of agriculture and other rural industries, sea fisheries, and technical
instruction, but also transferred to the Department a number of powers
and duties previously vested in other branches of the Irish Government;
and the grants which were formerly made in aid of the performance of
the duties so transferred appear in the vote for the Department, and thus
swell the total of that vote. Thus, the estimate for the Department’s vote
for the year 1906-7 was £191,526. Of this total, the votes for Salaries and
Wages,' Travelling, Special Services, Incidental Expenses, and Collec-
tion of Agricultural Statistics amounted to £62,010. To this must be
added the annual vote of £18,000 (Sub-head E.) which forms part of the
Department’s Endowment under the provisions of Section 15 (d) (/). The Gill > 16962 -
remaining votes are in respect of administrative duties transferred to the
Department under the provisions of Sections 2 and 4 of the Act of 1899.

These votes relate to the administration of the Diseases of Animals Act ;

Institutions of Science and Art, Schools of Science and Art, and Geo-
logical Survey of Ireland. The total amount of these votes is £86,156.

To this must be added the annual grant-in-aid for the Congested Districts

Board of £25,000, which is included in the vote for the Department, for

purposes of Parliamentary convenience. The Congested Districts Board

have no representative in and no real responsibility to Parliament. The a Balfour, n.

Department merely acts as the conduit pipe by which this amount of money

is conveyed to the Congested Districts Board.

232. We believe that a misunderstanding of the character of the vote for Staff of the
the Department has, to some extent, given rise to comment which has been Department,
publicly made, though the matter has not been prominent in the evidence
given before us, as to alleged unnecessary expenditure upon the Depart-
ment’s Staff. It appears not to be generally understood that the trans-
ferring to the Department of the duties of a large number of other
departments necessitated also the transferring of the staffs of those various
departments at their respective salaries. We see no reason whatever for
the view that either the staffs so transferred or that of the Department in
the discharge of the new duties created by the Act are redundant or over-
paid, or that the organisation of the Department is justly chargeable with
extravagance on this score. With regard to the sufficiency and salaries
of the staff, we think the question stands thus : — The Act of 1899, Section
6, places the salaries of the staff of the Department upon the votes. The
table set out in Appendix XXI. shows that the estimate of salaries and
wages rose from £29,340 in 1900-1 to £47,980 in 1906-7. It has been
strongly represented to us by the responsible officials of the Department
that, notwithstanding the increase indicated by these figures, the develop- Plunke “, 17357-64.
ment of the work has been so great that the Department is under-manned, ? 0979 l-mn 90 ’
and that many of the present staff are overworked. We. think there is Campbell, 2011 - 46 ,
foundation for this statement, and that there is prima facie a strong case 2061 - 7 > 1528 °- 4 -
for consideration in detail what additions to the staff are required. Under
the terms of the Reference, and having regard to the wide field covered by
this Inquiry, it would not have been proper or possible for us to examine
in detail the cases in which it is alleged that further assistance or revision
of salaries is needed. That must be decided, as is usual in such cases, by
discussion between the Department and the Treasury after, if necessary, a
Departmental Inquiry on which the Treasury is represented. In our opinion,
the right principle is that the salaries of all the officers who are reasonably
required to carry out efficiently the “purposes” of the Act of 1899 should
be placed upon the votes, and that none of these salaries should be charged

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114

Expenditure on
Enquiries, &c.

Expenditure on
Eoyal College of
Science.

Technical

Instruction

Grant.

“ Equivalent
Grant.”

See Memorandum by
Mr. Brown, p. 126.

upon the Endowment Fund, as some now are. No fresh legislation is re-
quired for this purpose, for Section 6 (1) of the Act of 1899 enacts that
“the Department may, with the consent of the Lord Lieutenant and of the
Treasury, appoint” a Secretary and Assistant Secretaries, “and such
Inspectors, Instructors, Officers and Servants as the Department may
require.”

233. In another respect, too, we think that the charges now borne by the
Endowment Fund should be transferred to the votes. Section 5 of the
Act of 1899 provides : —

“ The Department may make, or cause to be made, or aid in making such enquiries,
experiments, and researches, and collect or aid in collecting such information as they may
think important for the purposes of agriculture and other rural industries ; ”

and Section 6 (3) provides that

“All expenses, incurred by the Department in the exercise of their powers or the per-
formance of their duties under this part of this Act, other than expenses incurred in
relation to the Albert Institution and the Munster Institution, shall, save so far as they are
otherwise provided for under any Act, to such amount as may be sanctioned by the Treasury,
be paid out of money provided by Parliament.”

We think that under the terms of these sections the Department is
entitled to more liberal aid from the votes than it has yet received. The
importance of research and experiments in reference to many matters com-
prised under the heads of Agriculture and other Rural Industries has been
frequently referred to in this Report. We think the Department is
entitled under these provisions to obtain substantial assistance from the
votes for some, at all events, of the purposes mentioned in the section.

234. Another case in reference to the Royal College of Science, in which it
is claimed that the Endowment Fund is charged with an expenditure which
ought to be borne by voted monies, is referred to in paragraph 40 of this
Report. This and similar questions require consideration in detail between
the Department and the Treasury.

235. There appears to be a considerable amount of misunderstanding with
reference to the Technical Instruction Grants for Ireland originally on the
Science and Art Department’s Vote, and now represented by a fixed annual
amount of £7,000 paid to the Department out of the Ireland Development
Grant. These grants — applicable at first alike to Great Britain and Ireland —
were continued specially from year to year as available for Ireland when with-
drawn from England and Scotland, as the Local Taxation (Customs and
Excise) Act,. 1890, . gave power to Local Authorities in these countries to
devote certain monies — the whiskey money — either to the relief of rates or to
technical instruction.

By that Act, the English share of the Customs and Excise Duties was
devoted in the first instance to police superannuation, while the residue was
made available either for relief of rates or for technical education ; the first
charges in the Scotch share were police superannuation and the relief of
school fees, while the residue was allotted in the first place to the cost of
medical officers and sanitary inspectors, and as to the balance for relief of rates
or for purposes of technical education ; of the Irish share £78,000 was payable
to the Commissioners of National Education, and the residue to the Inter-
mediate Education Board. Thus, although all the Irish share was paid to
-Education Boards no part of it was made available for technical instruction.
Accordingly the .Technical Instruction Grants were continued for aid to
technical instruction in Ireland other than of the type which was aided by
existing scheme of the Science and Art Department ; the programme
of the Science and Art Department at that time included only a closed list of
subjects and did not cover any courses of instruction applying science or art
teaching to specific trades and industries — courses known as technological.

, i r j ie 1899, however, transferred to the new Department from

ommissioners of National Education the £78,000 per annum previously
pai to the Commissioners. This sum was then placed at the disposal of the
epaitment, for the promotion of Agriculture and of Technical Instruction as
^f e a definition, corresponding to that which covered the application
i e ,. w 1 , ®y wmney in England and Scotland, and which thus included the
eaucational held for which the grant in aid of Technical Instruction— known
m Ireland generally as the “Equivalent Grant 5 '— had been given. This type

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115

of* instruction is now included m that for which, grants are available un.er
the Revised Scheme of the Department for the application of the giants
on the Parliamentary vote. Apart from the Endowment Fund of the
Department there is thus available in Ireland in name of such work, i»«d
amount of £7,000, together with the grants claimable under the Scheme,
an amount which will increase automatically as the work done increases.

The misunderstanding in this matter arose from statements made m
Parliament, when the Bill establishing the Department was before the House
and by the Department at a time when the bearing of the Act upon the matter
was not fully appreciated. Tile position has since been explained m Parlia-
ment, and we should not have referred to it but that the explanation then
given does not appear to have been generally noted.

236 We believe, however, that a portion of several of the charges tor in- 0

struotion— local instruction— now met from the Departments endowment
might properly be recouped by grants from the Parliamentary Vote. A1
the® cost of such instruction is now met from three sources Local Rates
the Department’s Endowment (which may be fc m prt ai tatto
represent in this matter the whiskey money), and the Science and Art Giant.

The following remarks apply only to certain items of expenditure which
as arranged under the Department, do not receive aid from the Science and
Art Gralt, hut yet appear to be of a kind eligible for certain assistance from
the Parliamentary Vote. These are :

Summer Courses of training for Teachers other than those conducted
in the College of Science. .

(b 1 Courses in the Irish Training School of Domestic Economy. _

$ Courses ’of instruction in Agricultural Stations and Agricultural
Schools and Classes. .

Id,) Classes conducted by Itinerant Instructors and lectures

(e.) Classes in Manual Instruction and Domestic Economy in Rural

(/.) Cousin Poultry-keeping, Butter-making, Horticulture, and such

We would' 1 suggest that in the provision of educational facilities of the
kind indicated a moiety of the expenditure from the Endowment Fund in
resneot of Salaries of Teachers for work done in teaching, should be recouped
bv a o-rant on the Department’s Vote. Such a grant might come pioperly
u?dei 8 the headino* “ Annual Grants, Science and Art,” No traveling expenses
or expenses of equipment, rent or maintenance of classes generally, should
reckoned in estimating the grant here suggested.

237. We have already explained the circumstances c^ed 181 "

partnient took over in 1903 the agricultural work m the Congest ed ■ Dytrmts, Distri( , ts .
and received in consideration of this undertaking an annual contribution
tom Die Board of £2,000. This sum, it must be observed was added to Paragraphs 125 - 129 .
the Department’s total income, and the Department was under no obliga
tion to expend it solely in the Congested Districts. The Department has
as a matter of fact, spent this sum, and much more, upon the special needs
of the SSgested Districts. Previous to the arrangement above mentioned,
the expenditure of the Congested Districts Board upon the work which •
was transferred to the Department had been at the rate of about £11,000
as already stated. If the £2,000 be considered, as, in fact it
was specially devoted to these districts, it will be seen from the Table set
out in Appendix No. XIX. that the funds for this expenditure were pro-
toed tom three sources :-(l) From the £2,000 contribution; (2) from
the Department’s contribution alone; (8) from the County rates alone.

The expenditure of the Endowment Fund of the Department in each of
the three years which have elapsed since the transfer may be ascertained
by addin- together the figures in the first tvyo lines of the second part of the
Table in Appendix XIX., and deducting in each case the Congested Dis-
torts Roard’scontri^^^^^ of £2,000. Tins gives the expenditure of the De-
nartmmt in theCongested Districts as £3,217 in 1904-5 ; £4,694 in 1905-6;
and £6 802 (estimate*) for 1906-7. In each year the £2,000 was spent m
addition to these sums. It should be mentioned that m J anuary, 1907 , the
Agricultural Board gave a special grant of £4,000 for the Supplemental

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116

Schemes applying to these districts. The third item in the Table referred
to shows how much of the contribution made by the rates to the Joint Fund
has been expended in each year in the Congested Districts. These figures
have been arrived at by calculations which we find represent the position
with substantial accuracy.

tStrS in • 2 ? 8 - S ne dlfficult r ar . ises in reference to the application of the Joint Fund

Congested 111 Congested Districts. As has been stated, the Department’s Endow-

Districts. ment Fund contributes a somewhat larger proportion of the Joint Fund in

counties containing congested areas than in other counties. Consequently,
m a county containing a congested area, a district in the non-congested
part ot the county may derive special advantage under the operations of
the Department. The Department pays to the county a lump sum in pro-
portion to the total produce of the rate raised over the whole county. The
County Committee are charged with the distribution of the benefits of the
schemes m accordance with their view of the needs and claims of the several
districts of their county. It is thus not impossible that a comparatively
well-to-do district in such a county may derive greater advantage than a
similar district elsewhere. We think this question deserves, and we
understand is receiving the consideration of the Department and the
Local Authorities. Some alteration of the County Schemes appears desir-
able, whereby the full benefit of the increase of the contribution from the
Endowment Fund, intended for the benefit of the congested areas, should
be secured to those for whom it was intended. An alternative would seem
to be to abandon the special increase of the contribution from the Endow-
ment -bund and, if necessary, to apply the money thus saved to the Supple-
mental Schemes. "

Recommendation. 239 If, as the evidence seems to establish, the Supplemental Schemes above
described are necessary, for the present at all events, in the Congested Dis-
tricts, it seems that some additional funds over and above the £2 000
contribution must be provided if they are to be efficiently worked At the
same time, it is to be hoped that assistance of this kind will not always be
necessary. But until a general improvement has been effected in these
districts, special assistance from public funds seems inevitable. We think
tnat m respect of the expenditure in these districts where the agricultural
work was taken over by the Department — an expenditure which, it must be
remembered, was not contemplated or provided for by the Act of 1899
F,,^ h - e ?>. re p ly for t ba , de A the application of any part of the Endowment
-bund m the Congested Areas— the Department is entitled to obtain from
some source or other an addition to its income of not less than £10,000 per
annum.

For the reasons discussed in paragraph 133, we think that the extent

from t;Sfe°S.T n s “ ch Purposes should be open to reconsideration

trom time to 1 time m the light of experience.

24 °, Gi , u > in Ms evidence at the close of the Inquiry, estimated that
the additional amounts which the Department would require for Supple-
“™ tal . generally, if similar treatment is to be applied both to

r™ eS J e 5i dlstr 1 1 ? t l s a £ d to otlier districts equally poor but not technically
(ingested, 'f. ould , be *8°.°00. We have no materials which would justify
he re™,?d!d mg ? be “ eed f ” .an expenditure of that amount ought to
Thr amS “ saffi ? entl y established to justify us in recommending it.
needs ^nd- re T lr i e n- C ? U - ld be deterIm ned only after investigation of the
weSnfthe addlr d f rlcts , We are, therefore, unable to recommend at

the £10 ' 000 abore mentioned

remtowd^' Gdl tbat an annual sum of £50,000 will be

Here ai n we^feel d^ffi deTelo P meIlt oi tb e County Schemes,

think that fnTtw! dl ?S‘ lt Z m f ° rmin S an opinion on the estimate: we
to the Ifept JeS betto form of making the necessary additions

charses no^ tl^o * reso ™s is by relieving the Endowment Fund of
HiBotaidMw, 040 w . n , l ’ POn ’ Whlcb sb0I,Id be born « h y tbe Votes.

— ment

Cost of Supple-
mental Schemes,

Cost of County
Schemes.

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suggestion in paragraphs 232-6, namely, that the entire cost of the adminis-
trative, inspecting and inquiry Staffs of the Department and of the Staff
of the College of Science should be placed upon the Annual P arliamentary
Vote, and that a moiety of - the Department’s contribution in respect of the
salaries of teachers engaged in technical and agricultural education not
otherwise assisted through the Vote, be paid to the Department from the
Vote. By this arrangement the Endowment Fund, a fixed amount, would
be relieved of charges which may be found to require considerable addi-
tions arising from increased appreciation of the value of education, and
which it would be in accordance with accepted policy to defray in part by
annual grants from the Exchequer. Relief of this kind would enable the
Department to deal more effectively with the varying calls arising in the
other interests which it has to foster.

243. Such questions as whether or not there should be an increased num- Further expendi-
ber of agricultural stations, and how far this system should be carried, '

are still awaiting the results to be derived from the working of the present
stations, which is, to some extent, admittedly experimental. In our See paraph 2 0 s.
opinion, the success of these stations is such as to make it probable that
other permanent institutions of this type will be established, and, if so,
a considerable increase of funds from some source will be required. But
this, again, must be left for further experience. A similar observation
would apply to the development of the County Schemes and to other items
of expenditure. We do not feel justified under present circumstances m
making immediate recommendations of a more extensive character than
those already indicated.

244 In the section of our Report dealing with Forestry we have drawn Forestry,
attention to the fact that afforestation involves so large questions, and
would necessitate so great an initial expenditure, as to be quite beyond the Paragraphs us, us.
resources of the Department. We recognise that the need and advantages
of general afforestation have been fully established by the Departmental
Committee on Forestry, and we trust that the planting and other forestry
work now being done may soon determine . such questions of detail as
remain for settlement before action can be initiated on a scale commen-

surate with the problem.

245. An account of the funds applicable to Fisheries, and the various heads Fisheries,
and amounts of expenditure will be found in detail in the Tables set out^in
Appendix No. XXV. These Tables comprise the expenditure both upon Sea
and Inland Fisheries. It has already been pointed out that for the purposes
of Sea Fisheries there is available £10,000 per annum appropriated out of
the Endowment Fund by Section 16 (d), and £20,000 invested in Consols,
and transferred to the Department from the Sea and Coast Fisheries Fund.

Both Sea and Inland Fisheries may receive grants from the surplus of the
Endowment Fund under Sub-section 16 (g), Sea Fisheries being expressly
named in the Sub-section, and Inland Fisheries being expressly included in
the expression “other rural industries”; the Parliamentary Vote, to defray
the administration expenses of the Fisheries Board of the Department, is
common to both Sea and Inland Fisheries.

There appears, however, to be one financial advantage possessed by Inland
Fisheries which is not shared by Sea Fisheries. Sections 5 and 6 (3) of the Act
of 1899 place the cost of research and experiments, and other matters, upon
the votes in the case of Inland, but not in the case of Sea Fisheries. We
are not aware of any instance in which advantage has been taken of this
power for the benefit of Inland Fisheries. The distinction seems unnecessary
and inconvenient, and we think that Sea' Fisheries should be placed in the
same position as Inland Fisheries in respect of the privileges conferred by
Section 5.

It will be seen from the account at the end of Appendix XXV. that on
March 31, 1906, the accumulations, investments, and outstanding loans
amounted to £38,361. Of this sum, however, £27,621 stands to the credit
•of the Sea and Coast Fisheries Loan Fund.

246. The account set out in Table II. refers to the expenditure on Sea The “Helga.”
Fisheries of the £10,000 per annum secured to the Department as above-
mentioned. The principal items of expenditure in that Table are — (1) The
maintenance of the SS. Helga , (2) Marine Works.

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Mr. Green, the Chief Fishery Inspector, told us that the endowment of
£1-0,000 was granted to enable the Department to provide protection, instead
of having the services of a, vessel of the Royal Navy for the purpose.
However that may be, the original cost — construction and equipment of the
Helgci — amounted to £11,875, and was charged upon the Endowment Fund
as appears from Table III.

Marine Works. 247. On this Fund are charged also the expenses for Marine Works, Piers
Harbours, and Landing Places necessary for the fishing trade. These have
amounted, it will be seen, in the six years, 1900-1906, Ho £14,952, to which
should be added £2,073 engineering expenses. The places where this

17025. expenditure was incurred are stated in Table IY. Mr. Gill told us that a

survey and preparations had been made for further works costing about
£20,000. He thought there was not sufficient balance of the Fund to proceed
with them. He considered that for these purposes a capital sum of £20,000
and an additional endowment of £10,000 per annum ought to be provided.
JNo estimate of sufficient exactness was laid before us which would justify us
m adopting this recommendation.

Oyster Culture.

Paragraph 163.

17035.

248. Amongst other items of expenditure mentioned in Table II. are. Oyster
Culture in which, in the last four years, £2,980 has been spent ; scientific
equipment of the Helgci and scientific investigations, on which, in the last two
years, ^746 has been spent. It has been pointed out above that if section 5
were amended, as suggested, an application for assistance from the Votes
might be made to the Treasury for these purposes. The expenditure on
Instructors m fishery and m net-mending classes has been very small
amounting only to £282. This was dealt with by Mr. Green in his evidence
referred to m paragraph 156.

Further funds appear to us to be required for Marine Works, though as
we have already said, we have not sufficient materials for estimating even
approximately the amount which is needed. Such works are, liowever
essential to the successful development of the fishery trade. It is also most
important that adequate funds should be raised for the prosecution of scientific
investigation. The practical importance of such investigations is well
illustrated by the newly discovered resources, which may turn out of great
importance as to the wealth of the deep seas off the South-West Coast of Ire-
land and elsewhere.

w . ^ r ' also asIra , generally, for an annual sum of £5,000 for Sea

Fisheries for general purposes above mentioned, and also for a similar sum for
Inland Fisheries. Asia other cases we do not feel justified in recommending
the grant of these specific sums. A case appears to us to be made out for
placing on the votes the salaries of the necessary staff, including the staff
required for scientific investigations, on the lines suggested in reference to
other branches of the staff of the Department. We think, however that
the proper time for considering the need of making further financial provision
tor bea Fisheries will occur in connection with • the question of the
reconstruction of the administration of the Fishery Laws in Ireland, which
will probably be ripe for consideration after the Eeport of the Boyal Com- '
mission on Congestion. With regard to Inland Fisheries, we have stated
m paragraph 1 62 our opinion as to the need for further protection. We think
this is an object of sufficient public importance to deserve assistance from

Barrow Drainage.

of 2 /sn non 6 *° deal with a s Peeial application in reference to a grant

ot £50,000 out of the Endowment under the following circumstances :

of PariSbfr a “? m ? randunl was'submitted to us, signed by the Members

nev ecteYstsT Queen ' 6 COlmty ' and Kilda 4 settia g

health of the * * i °S he R 7 er Barrow and the eviIs to agriculture, to the
ticte\risimKp' 0n 'i and I 0the oro P sand live stock of the flooded dis-
in the riveiV sin ‘ 0 saturatl<m and periodic flooding of 45,000 acres of land
out of the unc ’ To tbat a sum of £50,000 should be granted

° expended on S balaM e of the Department’s Endowment Fund to be
mSe P extensive sclt 1 7Y S t and u ^ manner as ™uld form part of any

eud which^ffidta;: “ the

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119

It was further suggested that the money, if granted, should be expended
under a Drainage Board, consisting of members of the County Councils,
through whose jurisdiction the river runs, that all plans, specifications, levels,
and surveys in the possession of the Board of Works should be placed at the
disposal of such Board, and that a short Act of Parliament, if necessary, should
be promoted by Government creating such a Board.

In support of the representations containd in this memorandum oral
evidence was given by the Marquis of Drogheda, through a large part of whose
property near Monasterevan the river flows, by Mr. William Fitzmaurice,
land agent of large experience, and by Messrs. Patrick Meehan and William
Delany, Members of Parliament for Queen’s county.

These witnesses gave an account of the deplorable condition of the river
basin, with its vast area of agricultural land either permanently saturated or
liable to floods which swept the crops, whilst the dwellings of farmers and. of
the labourers and others in several towns were periodically inundated to the
great injury of the public health of the inhabitants and of the live-stock of the
district. It was pointed out that the remedy was far beyond the reach
of private enterprise, and should be undertaken by the State, which had
acknowledged its responsibiity in the matter, in that the Government of the
day had, in 1889, brought in a Bill by which it was proposed to make a free
grant of £215,000 and a loan of £145,000 to remedy the evil; but that as the
Government could at present hold out no hope of aid from the Treasury for
this purpose, it had been suggested that a grant or loan should be sought
from the Department’s accumulated funds, and it was claimed that such an
expenditure would be authorised by the Act, and would be a proper application,
being for the benefit of agriculture throughout a large area. No application
had, however, been made to the Department on the subject.

The state of things disclosed in the evidence, and borne out by the Deports
of the Royal and Vice-Regal Commissions to which we were referred, appears
to call for a speedy remedy, but the question seems to us to affect wider
interests than those which are entrusted to the special care of the Depart-
ment. Assuming, however, that the funds of the Department could legally
be devoted in the manner suggested, the proposed application would be a
matter for the consideration of the Department and the Agricultural Board,
whose duty it would be to consider whether, having regard to the condition
of the Endowment Fund and the claims upon it, it would be proper to make
so large an appropriation as is desired. At all events it lies out of our
province to make any recommendation in the matter.

VIII.

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS, SUGGESTIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS.

Under the preceding heads of this Report we have dealt fully with the
matters referred to us as regards the duties and relations of the Department
.and the financial conditions under which it has to conduct, its operations.
We propose now briefly to summarise our views upon the main questions put
to us. These are whether (l) the provisions of the Act of 1899, as regards
the constitution of the Department, and (2) the methods which the Depart-
ment has followed in carrying out the Act have been shown by experience to
be well suited to the conditions of Ireland, and whether any, and if so, what
changes are desirable in those provisions and methods.

250. Some witnesses have expressed an opinion that in place of the
Department of Agriculture and other Industries, and Technical Instruction
for Ireland, a Board should be constituted either wholly or partly elective.

We are not in favour of this suggestion. We think that continuity of
policy and efficiency of administration is best secured by the responsibility
being vested solely in the head of the Department, the subordinate officials
in their turn being responsible to the head of the Department. We see
nothing in the experience of the working of the Department which leads us to
think that its functions would have been more efficiently discharged if it had
been under the management of a Board wholly or partly elected or entirely
nominated. We do not recommend any change in Section I, Sub-section (1)
<of the Act of 1899.

12165-81.

12182-203.

12325-49.

12350-61.

The Department
McGlynn, 7185-7274.
Sweetman, 14288.
Downes, 3179-97.
O’Ryan, 14327.

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Vice-President. w “eh we are bound underthe term,

LI’ a * •*£ Reference to consider, is as to the working of the provisions
f-ct with regard to the office of Vice-President contained in Sub-sections
lb “1® of T , Sectlon and t0 r fP 0 rt whether, in our opinion, they require

change. The circumstances under which the Vice-President had no seat in

fecf ™the feou s? ?+i era r Eleotlon o f t WOO, and, notwithstanding that
feet, at the request of the Government then in office and their successors
retained his post have been already stated. There is, however, better oppor-

unXirth fi h f e Wa A at , the time wllen the provisions of the Actuate
undei the consideration of Parliament, for forming an opinion as to how far it is
necessary ^jW blethat the Vice-President should haVe a seat in Parliament,
of a,, if? 1“ estl ™> J “ , effect . 18 whether we ought to recommend the repeal
shtig in Siament ,SrePeal W ° Uld render tbe ''--President incapablLf

Presid U ent U ?fTb mi Tf ex P erien o? has shown that the proper place for the Vice-
refetW of^ It t Department m m Ireland rather than at Westminster. The
relations of the Department with the Agricultural Board, the Board of

W-yteT C f m0il 0f A Viculture seem to us toraqui 5

wlfolo t P f d i° f the De P ar tment should be in a position to devote
?ork in all h? h,° Tf that familiar P ersonal association with the

nf the P branches which is essential if he is to enjoy the confidence

of the Council and _ Boards. He has to direct the policy of the Department
in Mfemeffi; " ^ ° pi “ ion ’ 1 u * te incompatible with due attendance

throimh We°? er h T d ’ *f e fact that an important part of the monev spent,
through the Department-a part which will increase as the work it
represents increases in volume and efficiency— is on the annual Parliamentary
Votes, makes it necessary that the Department should be represented in
matimraind re^nsTih?. ' Govemment Passed of the necessary infor-

T f ha f see “ s essential is that in order that the Parliamentary Chief of
P i1 rt “ e ? t ma ? be m a P 0Elt wn to represent it adequately, h/should be
sufficiently informed as to its activities to give effective support to the

^^oeTrsfoW* 0 ? 111 ' ** • e “ d be sboaId be in olose/Cch with rt

tn a n appears to have been the case m recent years.

he Minister responsible to Parliament for the large and varied field of
education m Ireland has under his control organisations which must frequently

to determffie™ h ? t ( WOuld be d ? ffio . ult for a “y»ne without ministerial authority
vtoefi h P f d f . m f f “rt be forgotten that in the administration of funds

that the wOTkrf' the’ 18 ? § und . tbe T S ‘ direC ‘ means aTailabIe f or securing

Stli + V th ? al Boards dealing with education may make for the
country™ 6 ”^ a harmomou8 educational system which would pervade the

ffj , whole 14 see “ s to us that while it is necessary that the Depart-
that itfhf flf t represented in Parliament it is neither necessary nor desirable
that it should De represented by the Vice-President.

Unde e ,-Th C e e "? r f S, f ent ! 3 n0 * i n forliameut, what should be his position?
the Vfee he? deffi l nff ff oonstitution set up by the Act of 1899

si.fi „ .President is not, and in our opinion ought not to be, a permanent

whh the admfefeSaf H ? is / a f ler in the position of an official charged

ltn the administration in Ireland of the Act of 1899. Having- regard to the

hXcirfer? y the f?p°? iturai B ° ard and the fX rtLSa

Boarff X f? Xi° f 6 ( {° Uncil °f Agriculture with both of these
theTe bodies for i Ts ? p Say that th , e V --President is responsible to
manent Civil so ? ™ P ower to make bis position untenable. A per-
head of his Department 11 ^ ° tber hand ’ haS n ° responsibility except to the

thaUh?XrfVfo?P C0 5 siderati oo is that, in our opinion, it is essential
party X wJ l r u lde f S , bould be - as far as possible, independent of
ofaffitoofthl'S^ tty doubt whether Mr. Gerald Balfour’s conception
Of thrCLtment ^fi Si y ng ! n Parliament doing also the working head
We have found 1 1 bEVe be “ fomd to work satisfactorily. 8
to the actual working 0 f °I our investigations that as far as relates

a. working of the county schemes, there is an almost complete

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absence of friction arising from political or religious differences. Nationalists,

Unionists, Catholic Bishops, Parish Priests, Church of Ireland and Presbyterian
Clergy constantly work together on the local Committees. Nor has it been
suggested to us by any witness that the appointments, of the Department
have been in any degree influenced by religious or political considerations.

So far the idea of the Pecess Committee’s report appears to have been largely
realised, and we attribute these results in some measure to the fact that Sub-
Section 3 of the Act has been practically inoperative.

We recommend that Sub-Section 3 of the Act of 1899 should be repealed, Recommendation,
and that the office of Vice-President should be tenable for the period of five
years with power of re-appointment.

252. We have already fully dealt with the constitution, functions, and Council of
powers of the Council of Agriculture and the Agricultural Board.. Ve have th ^ 1 2g r i^itur a i
pointed out that the objections which have been urged to the provisions of the Board
Act in reference to this matter appear to us to be based more upon the inconsis- ParagrapUs ]8 , 19 ,
tencies of those provisions with the political ideals of the objectors than upon 30 - 2 .
any actual defect in the working of those bodies. We have already stated our
opinion as to the reasons why both upon the Council of Agriculture and upon Parngraph3 0 ’ °*
the Agricultural Boai'd a nominated element appears essential. We are of
opinion that as regards the constitution of the Council of Agriculture and the
Agricultural Board there should be no change in the proportion of members
appointed by County and Provincial Councils and those appointed by the
Department.

Many witnesses have advocated some extension of the powers ot the
Council of Agriculture* At present it will be remembered that the Council
has no powers at all, except the appointing through its Provincial. Councils of
two-thirds of the members of the Agricultural Board. It is otherwise a purely
deliberative body. An instance has been given in the Report of an important
question being referred by the Agricultural Board to the Council of Agricul- Paragraph 29 ( 2 ).
ture, and the Bishop of Ross would like to see an extension of this practice. 3087-91.

No suggestion has been made to us which we feel justified in adopting for any
alternative provision giving increased powers to the Council of Agriculture.

Purely deliberative or advisory bodies for similar purposes exist, as is shown
in the report of the Recess Committee, in various Continental countries.

Although the Council of Agriculture meets only twice a year, and sits usually
for not more than two days, we are satisfied that it . adequately fulfils the
function of bringing home to the Department the special views and require-
ments of different parts of Ireland and of giving expression to the
opinions held in the country upon questions of practice and policy. We do
not think it practicable to define for purposes of legislation the limits of . any
powers which it might be suggested would be right to give to the Council of
enforcing its resolutions.

We have shown in the course of this Report various instances in which
■the views of the Council have materially influenced the action of the Central
Authority. In the long run, any real or permanent divergence of views as to
the policy of the Department must be checked by the fact that the Council,
through the Provincial Committees, elects two-thirds of the Agricultural Board,
and that the Board has a veto on the expenditure of the Endowment Fund.

Any further check appears to us to be impracticable, and we do not think any
necessity for it has been demonstrated.

253. The absence of all statutory powers of initiation in the case of the Agricultural
Agricultural Board has also been made the subject of much criticism. t On 3 °"”£ a ™ d ers of
this point we refer to the evidence of the Bishop of B,oss, quoted in paragraph “ ’

30. It will have been observed in the course of this Report that the
practice of the Agricultural Board has been to consider proposals with
reference to the expenditure of the Endowment Fund. Its duty is to criticise
and control. Indirectly this involves, as the Bishop of Ross points out, 30 ^- 42 *
power of initiation. As the working of the Department increases a check 30,;,fa ’

* Bishop of Ross, 3086-90; Mooney, 11618; Butler, 11361; Toal, 10126; Delany, 12362;

Downes, 3211-51 ; Cogan, 11765; Hore, 10714; Galvin, 6270; Kennedy, 3974—9^.

t Mooney, 11618-9; Corbett, 4291-316; O’Ryan, 14327; Downes, 3198-206; Ennis,

11001-13; Hore, 10714-23 ; Butler, 11355-61 ; Carey, 12849-79 ; Dowling, Rev. P.J., 15554-91.

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Publication of
Proceedings.

Plunkett, 17449-52.
Andrews, 8948-52.

M'Donnld, 4871-6.

Board of
Technical
Instruction,

Delany, Rev. J.,
13927-31.

Humphreys, Rev. J.,
13358.

Macardle, 18374-5.
Toal, 10122-30.
Recommendation.

Consultative

Committee.

upon the imprudent use of its resources becomes of increasing importance.
We think it would be unwise to turn the Board by a change in the Act from
a body whose first duty is the control of expenditure into a body authorised
to initiate expenditure. We therefore do not recommend any change in the
Act of 1899 with regard to the powers and functions of the Agricultural Board
or the Council of Agriculture.

254. An opinion has been expressed by many witnesses that it is desirable
that more publicity should be given to the proceedings of the Agricultural
Board/ These, and the minutes in which they are recorded, are regarded as
confidential. For obvious reasons it is impossible that the proceedings of the
Board should be open to the public in the same way as the proceedings of the
Council of Agriculture. The Board has to deal with money questions, such
as the purchase of land and other business matters, which must necessarily,
while they are under consideration, be of a confidential character. The
practice has been adopted of communicating to the Press a short account of
the. meetings of the Board and the nature of the business transacted. It is
desirable that these reports should be as full as is consistent with the require-
ments of the business transacted by the Board. It might perhaps also be well
if the Board presented the Council at its half-yearly meetings reports
of the business done in the previous half-years.

255. The Board of Technical Instruction consists of 21 members. Of
these 3 are appointed by the County Borough Council of Dublin ; 3 by that
of Belfast ; 4 appointed, one by each of the other county boroughs ; 1 by
the Urban Councils of the County of Dublin ; 4 appointed, one by each
Provincial Committee ; 1 by the Commissioners of National Education ; 1 by
the Intermediate Education Board, and 4 by the Department.

The Board advises the Department with respect to all matters and
questions submitted to it by the Department in connection with technical
instruction. The allocation of the sum of £55,000 for technical instruction
as between the County Boroughs and other parts of the country is subject to
its concurrence ; and it exercises a veto on the application of the portion
of the Endowment Fund applied to technical instruction elsewhere than in the
County Boroughs. So far as concerns the work outside the County Boroughs
the Board of Technical Instruction thus occupies the same position as to
technical instruction that the Agricultural Board holds as to Agriculture.
In relation to the work in the County Boroughs, its functions are restricted
to those of advice on questions submitted and to representing the interests of
the County Boroughs in the primary division of the £55,000 above referred
to. It has been urged before us that in view of this difference it is
anomalous that the four Provinces should be represented on the Board by but
four members, while the County Boroughs have ten.

In this view we concur, and we recommend that the number of members
appointed by the Councils of Dublin and Belfast should be reduced to two each,
and that each Province should appoint two members instead of one as at present.
The members would thus be appointed : — 8 by the four Provinces, 8 by the six
County Boroughs, 1 by the Urban Districts in the County of Dublin, 1 by
the Commissioners of National Education, 1 by the Intermediate Education
Board, and 4 by the Department — 23 in all. We recommend that the Act of
1899 should be amended accordingly. We also recommend the amendment
of the Act with regard to the removal of the prohibition to teach the practice
of a trade, dealt with in paragraph 206, and also that Section 5 should be
amended so as to refer to Sea as well as Inland Fisheries for the reasons o-iven
in paragraph 245.

256. For the purpose of co-ordinating educational administration the Act
(Sect. 23) established a Consultative Committee of five members : the Vice-
President of the .Department, as Chairman, and one member appointed by
each of the following four Bodies: — the Commissioners of National Education,

he Intermediate Education Board, the Agricultural Board, and the Board of
lechmcal Instruction. We have received evidence that the Committee has
* Connellan, 11315-7 ; Corbett, 4267-S9 ; Toal, 10078-82; Hanlon, 11347.

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done much useful work. It has dealt with such matters as the grading of

schools ; scholarship arrangements in schools of different grades ; the incor- Finiay, 6 Rev. t! a.,

poration of the Department’s Scheme for Experimental Science, Drawing,

Domestic Economy, and Manual Training, in the curriculum for Secondary 3877 - 3912 .

Schools and matters connected with the teaching of the same subjects inNational
Schools. The formal discussion of such questions in a small Committee must
necessarily be of advantange where that Committee includes representatives 3877 *
of different Boards, each controlling a section of educational work; but Dr.

Starkie thinks it is very probable that as much progress would have been
made by personal conferences between responsible officers, although there had
been no such Committee. The Rev. Father Finlay, who represents the Inter- 3353
mediate Education Board on the Committee, says, that by its constitution the
Committee

“ comes very much under the exclusive control of the Department. The result is that the
other bodies — the Board of Intermediate Education and the National Education Board— do not
regard themselves as identified with it in the same way as the Department does. They are led to
look upon it as a branch of another Department. I think if it stood a little more apart from the
Department, and acted a little more on its own initiative, its effect would be more far-reaching
and its work more useful.”

He recognises, however, that notwithstanding the preponderance of the 3a41 -
Department in the Committee, it has had definite and valuable influence.

He says : —

“ The Board of National Education, in consequence of the resolutions of the Consultative
Committee, made every effort to carry out the suggestions of the Committee. Friendly relations
were also established between the Intermediate Board and the Department; the Science
programme in Secondary Schools was a matter of agreement between the two bodies ; and that
matter, too, was amicably arranged and all friction avoided, and the teaching of Science proceeded
satisfactorily. ”

The Consultative Committee, however, at best does little more than
afford an opportunity for bringing to the test of discussion matters upon
which one Board or another has formed definite opinions. Its resolutions
carry much moral weight, and we have no reason to doubt that their impor-
tance is fully realised by the members of all the Boards sending representatives
to the meetings. Something more effective is required, however, to further
the action — legislative and financial as well as administrative — necessary to
secure a congruous system of education. Dr. Starkie believes that there 3874.
will never be proper co-ordination in Ireland until there is one educational
authority. On this view we are not in a position to express an opinion ; but
we recognise that under existing conditions the Consultative Committee
would be more likely to carry the whole-hearted support of the different
Education Boards if each were represented upon it by the same number of
members, and if the Chairman were the Minister who represented each Board
in Parliament.

257. For the reasons stated in paragraphs 206, 245, and, 220, respectively, other

we recommend (1) an amendment of Section 30 of the Act of 1899 as regards Recommenda-
the prohibition of teaching the practice of a trade ; (2) an amendment of tions.

Section 5 by placing Sea fisheries in the same position as Inland fisheries in
respect of aid from voted moneys ; and (3) that the question of obtaining
further statutory powers for the collection of agricultural and trade statistics
be dealt with. Other suggestions made in the Report need not be referred
to here.

258. We have now to reply to the second question put to us in the Suitability of the
Reference — whether the methods which the Department has followed in Methods followed
carrying out the provisions of the Act of 1899 have been shown by experience by Department,
to be well suited to the conditions of Ireland, and whether any, and what

changes, are desirable in these methods. As regards Agriculture and other
Rural Industries, the principal effort of the Department has been to organise
and carry out the system of agricultural education which we have described.

It seems to us futile at the present day seriously to question the utility of

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agricultural education on lines now generally understood and adopted, or the
benefits which, under suitable conditions, may be looked for from the improved
methods which a system at once scientific and practical introduces. The main
question is whether the special methods adopted by the Department are well
suited to the conditions prevailing among the people of Ireland. We think
the evidence we have received from all parts of the country, when duly weighed,
compels us to answer in the affirmative. We believe the Department has
been successful in stimulating throughout Ireland a sense that in various
directions improved conditions of agriculture are within reach of the farmer,
and a desire to take advantage of the methods by which that improvement
may be, in some measure, obtained. In this work the Department has been
aided, as we have shown in the memorandum attached to this Report, by the
cordial co-operation of the Local Authorities throughout Ireland with
very few exceptions. The difficulties have been great. Besides the
difficulty attending in every country the introduction of new ideas
and the overcoming of old ideas and prejudices, there have been others
peculiar to Ireland. The backward state of primary education, the distrust
of any movement savouring at all of Government initiative or control,
and, we must add, strange misconceptions of the motives and objects of the
Department have been serious obstacles in the way of progress. On the other
hand, the Department has had on its side the characteristic intelligence
and quickness of the Irish people. It is too early, after the lapse of little more
than six years since the commencement of the movement, to attempt to tabulate
the results of improvement in practical agricultural knowledge. We can
only refer to the evidence we have summarised, and state the conclusions we
have drawn. We desire to express our conviction that the system adopted of
training Irish itinerant instructors and the instruction given by them, both
of a theoretical and practical character, has been attended with marked success.
The zeal of almost every County Committee for instruction of this kind seems
to us convincing evidence in favour of this conclusion. How far or how soon
this system can be partly or wholly superseded by the establishment of winter
classes or by the more expensive type of agricultural stations and farms is a
problem which is in process of solution. We think the experiment of
agricultural stations should be proceeded with on the lines indicated in the
to p me »pfa45-9, CT j dence of p rofeasol . Campbell.

In the portion of this Report dealing with Technical Instruction we have
dealt at length with the various types of instruction which the Department
has aimed at promoting, and we have there stated our opinion as to the
measure of effectiveness which has attended the efforts it has made or fostered.
In several grades of education and in relation to many of the industrial
interests which may most readily be furthered by educational influences, the
Department has initiated or has adopted methods calculated to increase
the commercial or industrial efficiency of the individual. It has also
established Schools and Classes which aim at introducing the advantages of
special manual and mental training into the preparation of youths for particular
occupations. Some such agencies are already tried and proved, and are
steadily making way as the numbers whom they affect increase, and as those
whom they train reach the stage of showing to employers their readiness in
acquiring facility in their work. Other schemes are still under trial, and
extension of these will depend on their success.

The field for technical instruction is wide and varied, but a great part of
it has already been occupied by the operations under the Department, and
there is even now adequate proof that the methods employed have been well
adapted to the varying conditions which have to be met. We have pointed
out that the circumstances of the problem which faced the Department made
it necessary that the needs of those who had already passed beyond school
years should be dealt with at once in a special way, while the permanent
policy for technical education should include attention to the technical aspect
oi all grades of education, elementary, secondary, and higher. Even yet,
however, it is only in the most favourably placed centres of population that
the organisation for technical instruction begins to be complete and definite.

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and in some sections of the field of work — sections, too, that affect a numerically
large part of the community — the earliest service that can be rendered by
education of a practical trend does not lie within the domain of the’ Depart-
ment.

We believe that the work of technical instruction is now being carried
on in Ireland on lines well adapted to meet both the temporary and the per-
manent necessities of the country in the matters for which the Act made the
Department responsible. The ultimate tangible and financial results of
successful technical education are valuable and lasting, but they cannot be
produced in a few years. Much remains to be done in the development of
this aspect of education in Ireland, but the keen appreciation of the advan-
tages derived from what has already been accomplished, and the pervading
interest in the subject, promise that the labours cf the Department, and of
the local Authorities who share responsibility with the Department, will
produce results of permanent benefit to the country.

259. We shall be doing less than justice if we do not place on record our
estimate of the value of the assistance rendered, in carrying out the policy and
work of the Department, by its staff. In visiting different parts of Ireland
we have been greatly struck by the testimony which has been given to us,
and, by what has come under our own observation, of the very satisfactory
relations between the Local Authorities and the officials of the Department.
Charges of dictation and unnecessary interference have in some cases been
made, but, as far as our experience goes, these charges, when examined, have
not been substantiated, and are insignificant when compared with the amount
and weight of the evidence of an opposite character. That the assistance
and co-operation of the officers of the Department is sought after and followed
by the great majority of Local Authorities there is, in our opinion, ample
proof. We think that, in point of zeal devotion to duty practical good sense
and ability, the staff of the Department, so far as we have had an opportunity
of forming a judgment, is entitled to a high place in the records of the Civil
Service.

Our colleague, Mr. Micks, prefers to state his views in a separate form.

We ha.ve to express our obligations to our Secretary, Mr. J. J. Taylor,
C.B., I.S.O., for the valuable assistance he has rendered to us throughout
this laborious Inquiry.

We have the honour to be,

Your Excellency’s obedient Servants,

KENELM E. DIGBY,
JOHN DRYDEN.

F. G. OGILVIE,

STEPHEN J. BROWN.
(Subject to Memorandum attached hereto.)

JOHN J. TAYLOR,

Secretary.
May 30, 1907.

Staff of
Department.

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MEMORANDUM BY MR. S. J. BROWN.

I have signed the Report subject to the following observations
as to paragraphs numbered 235 with reference to the “ Technical
Instruction Grant” usually referred to in Ireland as the “Equivalent
Grant.”

My inability to agree with the majority of my colleagues as to these
paragraphs is due to the inference which might be drawn from them that
the claim put forward by so many witnesses that the “ Grant in aid of
Technical Instruction ” should have been continued after the passing of the
Agricultural and Technical Instruction Ireland Act, 1899, is founded on
any misunderstanding or misapprehension of the facts.

10381 . The claim of Ireland in this respect is clearly stated by the Bishop of

Waterford to whose evidence I refer. In my view that claim remains
unanswered. It rests not alone upon the statements made in the House when
the Bill was before it, nor upon the Official Circular to Local Authorities issued
by the Department afterwards, but upon the language of the Act itself. That
language appears to me to be consistent only with what was understood to
be its meaning when the Bill was under discussion in the House of
Commons, and with the interpretation given to it by the Department after
it had become law, viz. : that the Grant in aid of Technical Instruction, the
administration of. which was transferred to the Department, was to con-
tinue as before with the sole alteration that it was to be administered by
the Department instead of by the Board of Education, South Kensington.

In my view the curtailment of this grant at first, and its total with-
drawal after two. or three years, constitute a legitimate grievance, nor can
I see that there is any compensation in the replacement of the aid given
through the Parliamentary Vote by a charge on the Ireland Development
Grant — a purely Irish fund.

As. to the future it is impossible yet to say how far the grants in
aid which may be earned by Technical Committees under the Department’s
new programme will compensate for the withdrawal of the Equivalent
Grant, but I think a full and fair trial should be given to this system.

As regards the past, however, I am of opinion that the amount which
would have come to Ireland for Technical Instruction under the Parlia-
mentary Vote, if effect had been given to the understanding on which the
Act was passed, should be estimated and put upon the vote, that the Ireland
Development Grant should be recouped the £7,000 per annum that has been
taken . from it, and that the residue should be applied for purposes of
technical Instruction.

STEPHEN J. BROWN.

May 15, 1907.

Bishop of Waterford,
10381, 10422-37.
Key. A. Murphy,
5560-98.

Monsignor M'Glynn,
7254-6.

Mulligan, 13546-50,
O'Doherty, 7662-70.

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MEMORANDUM ON THE WORKING OF THE COUNTY SCHEMES
(AGRICULTURAL) IN EACH OF THE COUNTIES OF
IRELAND.

In the Report we have endeavoured to describe the principal methods
adopted in carrying out the plan of the Act of 1899 for the advancement of
agriculture by the joint action of the Department and the local authorities
under the various schemes we have discussed. We now attempt to sum-
marise briefly the evidence which has been laid before us as to the general
relations between the Department and the local authorities, and the success
or failure of the system of joint action.

We have in the Report referred in some detail to the working of the
schemes in particular counties. In this Memorandum we propose to take
a more general survey of the whole country. In connection with this
Memorandum . reference should be made to the tables set out in the A endix vm x
Appendix giving the figures of the live stock schemes, and of the xr.Txxni., xxiv.”
allocation of the joint fund to agricultural purposes in all the different
counties of Ireland. The principal materials for this survey consist of
the evidence of the representative witnesses of the various local authorities
who have been called before us, and the latest reports of the various com-
mittees of agriculture to their respective county councils with which we
have been furnished.

Munster.

Beginning with the counties constituting the Province of Munster the Clare,
latest report of the committee of agriculture and technical instruction for
the county of Clare is dated April 10, 1905. This report shows that at that
time there were in the county two instructresses in domestic economy, one
manual instructor, one poultry instructress, and one butter-making instruc-
tress. Those appear to have given much satisfaction. The committee
report favourably on the working of the horse scheme, and as to the poultry
scheme, of which they give detailed information. It will be remembered that
in 1904 the Department adopted the rule that an instructor should not be a
person already resident in the county. Some friction arose on that ground
between the Department and the committee, and in consequence the poultry
scheme remained in abeyance during the year 1904. An instructress
was, however, appointed for 1905, and the scheme seems to have
worked satisfactorily. Mr. Mescall, a representative from the county Mescaii, 5201.
on the Council of Agriculture, speaks favourably of the work of the
instructors. The Department was somewhat severely criticised by FatherjBreen, 5270,
some of the witnesses for not having achieved greater results, and there 6281-97
is a strong demand for an agricultural station in the county after the model
of Clonakilty or Athenry. There is a demand for more instructors, and for
a further development of the system of experimental plots, and of prize
schemes. The need of further and more rapid progress is the dominant note e3Ca ’
of the evidence from Clare.

The Cork county committee of agriculture publish a useful volume Cork,
containing their financial accounts, the live stock, and agricultural schemes
adopted for 1906-7, and including copies of the leaflets issued by the De-.
partment up to October, 1906. In this county there are two agricultural
instructors, two teachers of classes, two instructresses in poultry-keeping,
two in butter-making, and one instructor in horticulture. A very 4 484 eto
favourable account of the working of the various schemes throughout the
county is given by Mr. Roberts, the representative of the committee, and
of the general improvement observed throughout the county. He states
that although some initial difficulties occurred at first, the committee and
the central authority have worked well together. Detailed information is 4544.
given as to the working of the schemes in the West Riding of this county by
Mr. Rudd, one of the agricultural instructors. Mr. McDonald, the chair- 12599 .
man of the county council, agrees that the schemes are working well, but 4907-76
thinks they are costing too much*

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Kerry.

Appendix XXIY.

4480.

Limerick.

Lord Emly, 5235.

5235.

5703.

5703-20.

Appendix XXXIII.

5800.

The last annual report of the committee of agriculture of county Kerry
for the year ending March, 1906, contains an account of the working of the
horse-breeding scheme, with a recommendation that sires should be
selected with more bone, and not so much of the thoroughbred type.
As regards the cattle scheme the committee are of opinion that no bulls
should” be awarded premiums previous to purchase. It will be seen on
reference to the table in the Appendix that in this county, in 1905-6, all
the nominations for mares were taken up, and 22 out of 29 premiums for
bulls. Under the boar scheme 8 premiums were taken up in the first year of
its operation, and 4 in the second year. The agricultural scheme was not put
in force as the committee were unable to secure the services of a sufficiently
qualified instructor ; a want which has since been remedied. Some question
arose between the committee and the Department upon the resignation, from
ill health, of the poultry instructress. The committee proposed to unite the
duties of the poultry and dairy instructresses, but the Department considered
that it was necessary for so large a county as Kerry to have the full and
undivided attention of an expert specially trained in poultry management.
The committee acquiesced in this view, and continued to appoint their in-
structresses. The only representative witness from Kerry who appeared
before us, Canon O’Riordan, confined his evidence mainly to the subject of
technical’ instruction. Speaking, however, from “ general knowledge ” he
referred to the opportunities thefarmers were getting “of improving their stock
without any expense to themselves, and they think that is a very good thing.
He deplored the want of an agricultural instructor. “ Improvement is my
motto, and we are only too anxious to co-operate, but we are pulled back all
the time.” .

In county Limerick, unfortunately, there has been a good deal of friction.
It appears to have arisen from a refusal by the Department to assent to a
proposal of the Limerick committee to a modification of the cattle scheme so
as to confine the services of the premium bulls to selected cows. ^ This question
has been referred to in paragraph 90 of the Report. In 1904 the Department
appears to have considered the introduction of a provision in the scheme. to
this effect to be premature. An interesting discussion on the subj ect of selecting
cows will be found in the examination of Lord Monteagle by Mr. Dryden
(5611-5613), where the objection that the principle of selecting cows has
the effect of excluding the poor man’s cow from the advantages of the well-
bred bull is pointed out. It is pointed out in the passage of the Report
above referred to that the great advantage to the improvement of the breed
of cattle likely to result from the selection of cows as well as of bulls has
long been recognised, and that the Department is now taking, steps to
endeavour to overcome the difficulties by which a scheme for this purpose
is surrounded. Unfortunately, in this as in other cases, the zeal and impatience
of the county committee hardly appear to have made sufficient allowance
for the necessity laid upon the Department to discharge the onerous duties
imposed upon it by gradual advances. Lord Emly and Mr. Patrick Vaughan,
chairman of the Limerick county council, complained of the refusal of the
Department to adopt in 1904 the plan suggested by Limerick for improving
the milking qualities of the cows. Mr. Vaughan, while admitting the great
importance of educating farmers with regard to seeds and manures, disbelieves
altogether in itinerant instruction, and desires instead the establishment of
experimental farms. He attaches the greatest importance to winter dairying,
and complains that the Department has done but little to advance it. Mr.
Vaughan would, instead of adopting the Department’s methods of itinerant
instruction, establish a number of experimental farms, one in every rural
district, of 40 or 50 acres each, where winter dairying could be taught. Mr.
Vaugban did not, however, develop this scheme of experimental farms or
explain how it could be carried out with the resources at the command of
the Department. Limerick has not, until the current year, had an agricultural
instructor, and at the date of the return set out in the Appendix was still
without an instructor in butter-making or poultry-keeping. The scheme,
therefore, of agricultural education adopted by the Department elsewhere
throughout Ireland has had no adequate trial in the county of Limerick.
The farmers of Limerick are, in the opinion of Mr. M‘ Donnell, President
of the Chamber of Commerce, better qualified to give instruction in home

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dairying than to receive it. There was also, unfortunately, some friction with
the Department with regard to the disallowance of an appointment of a
instructress in poultry, who was not thought to satisfy the required standard. Lord Monteagie,
Limerick, too, appears to have resented the introduction of the rule with ‘
regard to residents in the county. This has been referred to in the Report. pa^'p? 72^ 6167 ‘

The horse-breeding scheme appears hitherto to have had the greatest
amount of success in Limerick. From the table set out in the Appendix XXI V. ,
it will be seen that the nominations of mares provided (200) were all taken
up ; that of the 40 bull premiums provided only 25 were taken up, and that of
the 8 premiums to boars only 3 were taken up, in the first year of the operation
of the scheme.

Monsignor Hallinan, one of the witnesses appointed by the county
committee of agriculture and technical instruction to give evidence before
us, sent a letter containing his views which is set out in Appendix LVI. His
observations refer principally to technical instruction and to the promotion of
industries. He states, however, that he sees “ no improvement in our system
of agriculture here in Limerick.”

It seems, therefore, that, with the exception of the horse-breeding scheme,
the county of Limerick has to a large extent remained outside the influence
of the Department, so far as regards agriculture. This seems to us a matter
for deep regret. There appears to be no county in Ireland where improve-
ment both in the extent and methods of tillage is more needed. This is
the first condition of the great desideratum of the county, an improved
system of winter dairying. It is to be hoped, now that the difficulties as to
the cattle scheme appear to have been practically overcome, and the com-
mittee have appointed an agricultural instructor, that the methods which
have been found to work well in other parts of the country may be adopted
by the local authority of the county of Limerick.

The North Tipperary committee of agriculture, in its annual report North Tipperary,
for the year 1905-6, states : —

“We are glad to be able to state that the interest of the public in the working of the various
schemes in steadily increasing, and the various lectures and classes of our instructors through the
county have been well attended during the past year-.

“ The intelligent application of improved methods of farming in North Tipperary is evidenced
by the greatly increased tendency to use up-to-date implements : the early and more skilful tilling
of the lands ; the judicious application of artificial and natural fertilizers ; the skill and Care shown
in the selection of the various seeds, and in the increased area under corn crops, particularly barley,
in the North Riding. ”

The report describes the horse-breeding scheme as “ an unqualified
success.” The bull scheme, however, is “not availed of to anything like a
full extent. - ’ “We find a difficulty in getting a sufficient number of applica-
tions for bull premiums.” It appears, however, from the table set out in
Appendix No. XXIV. that out of 19 premiums provided 16 were taken up.

The following passage in the report is also worth quoting : —

“ A peculiar feature of this scheme for cattle improvement is that by far the greater pro-
portion of premium bulls goes to the tillage districts, while the great dairying and cattle-raising
districts of Thurles and Nenagh have very few high-class bulls for service. It is noticeable that
the winners in the cattle classes of the county shows in Nenagh and Thurles come principally
from the tillage districts.”

This bears on the difficult question referred to in our Report on the Paragraphs 90, 91.
effect of the dairying industry upon the breed of cattle.

The following passage also illustrates the great appreciation to which we
have already referred of veterinary lectures : —

“ A. most important feature of the work carried on during the year was the series of highly
instinctive and deeply interesting lectures on Veterinary Hygiene and First Aid in the diseases of
horses and cattle delivered by Professor Mason, M.R.C.V.S., under the auspices of the Depart-
ment, and free of cost to the committee. These lectures evoked an interest amounting to
enthusiasm, and we trust that Professor Mason’s services will be again at our disposal next
season.”

The report contains the reports of the inspectors, and elaborate accounts,
with tables showing cost and results of various experiments in barley-growing,
manuring of meadows, of oats, of potatoes, and of mangolds ; on the varieties
of potatoes and the saving of potato seed, There is also a balance sheet of
receipts and expenditure. In the letter in reply to the circular addressed to
the committee set out in the Appendix LXV., various suggestions are made
with regard to extension of experiments and demonstrations, co-operation,
agricultural banks and other matters.

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South Tipperary.

Appendix XXIV.,,
XXXIII.

Co. Waterford.

Dennehy. 10622.

10663.

10670,

Co. iGalway,

There is no report published by the committee of the South Biding of
the county. It appears from the tables set out in the Appendix that the
live stock schemes, excepting the boar scheme, which has not been adopted,
are in full operation, all the nominations for mares and premiums for bulls
having been taken up, and that the services of an agricultural, a horticultural
instructor, and a poultry instructress are employed. As in Worth Tipperary,
the South Eiding raises the full penny rate.

The fifth annual report of the committee of agriculture of the county
of Waterford for the year ending September 30, 1906, states “that owing to
shortness of funds, or rather the energetic action of your committee in carrying
out the approved schemes of the county, they could not, as they had hoped,
provide for agricultural classes for which the Department had an instructor
ready,” and' they mention certain reductions they had been obliged to
make. They propose that a rate of Id. in the pound should be struck
exclusively for agricultural and live stock purposes, instead of the \d. y the
portion of the rate of Id. which has hitherto been applied to those purposes,
and the estimates for the current year were framed on this basis. The report
contains full accounts of the working of the various schemes. According to
the evidence of the witnesses from Waterford the horse-breeding scheme
appears to have been the most successful. The cattle and swine schemes have
not been largely taken up.

The relations between the Department and the county committee have
always been cordial. Mr. Boyle, secretary of the committee, states that the
butter-making scheme is most popular and that they strongly advocate the
provision of school gardens under the management of the county horticultural
instructor. Both in the cattle and horse breeding schemes special provision
is made for farmers below a certain valuation. The following observations
in the report upon itinerant instruction generally are pertinent to this
inquiry : —

“ Your Committee are of opinion that whilst Lectures are of use both in rousing attention and
reviving lapsing knowledge they will fail in effecting permanent good unless followed by solid
academic and continuous practical instruction in the field.

“ They would, therefore, much favour the establishment of Agricultural Plots of 2 or 3 acres
close to National Schools, which should be cultivated by boys in the higher standards under
instruction of the County Agriculturist; and that an Agricultural Station should be secured for
the County into which would be drafted, after leaving school, boys intended for farming ; and
adults from IS or 19 years and upwards.”

The reply of the Waterford committee to our circular letter will be
found in the Appendix LXV. They desire t.o record their satisfaction as
to the cordial relations existing between them and the Department from their
inception, and the reasonable manner in wh ich the committee’s suggestions
have been at all times dealt with.

Connaught.

In their fifth annual report for the year 1905-6, the committee of the
council of county Galway state that all the schemes above referred to are in
operation in the county, that the interest in the schemes is increasing and
that many parishes which previously did not avail themselves of the services
of the committee’s lecturers, have done so in the last year. They acknowledge
the assistance they have received from the clergy, school teachers, and local
representative men, “ to which the successful working is due.” The committee
are again able to report a continuance of that steady increase in their
operations which has been maintained from the beginning, and refer to a
table in the appendix to their report containing figures which appear to
maintain this statement. Amongst other items the mares entered at shows
rose from 120 in 1901 to 262 in 1906, the premiums to boars from 10 to 28 ;
the egg stations from 5 in 1903 to 29 in 1906, the pure-bred eggs distributed
from 3,600 to 229,539. The report adds —

“ Tbe Committee have now, however, extended their work as far as their resources will
allow, and, unless further funds are forthcoming, it cannot be expected that future reports
will continue to show similar increases. There is a large field for the work which your
Council have entrusted to the Committee, but there is not sufficient money to do all that
is required. With the staff at their command it will take a considerable time to reach
every district of this very large county. There are nearly 400 schools in the county at
which lectures might with advantage be given. It is the earnest desire of the Committee
to reach every one of these centres.”

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Mr. Fogarty, secretary -of the county committee, complains of the Fogarty, 6044 - 54 .
Department for not allowing the committee a sufficiently free hand. Three
cases were referred to in support of this general allegation: — ( 1 .) That
the Department disregarded an objection expressed by the committee to
the system of determining the selection of the bulls for premiums before
purchase ; ( 2 .) that the Department did not include in the horse-breeding 6130 a.
scheme a proposal of the committee to introduce a system of annual bonuses
for young mares to encourage farmers to keep such mares for breeding
purposes ; ( 3 .) that the Department did not adopt a proposal to establish an
annual congress of county committees to discuss matters of common interest.

We hardly think these instances justify the charge of undue interference.

Mr. Burke, member of the county council, and of the committee, refers
to the great attraction and benefit of the lectures of Professor Mason on
veterinary hygiene, and of Mr. Dewar on the uses of manures.

Mr. Hynes, member of committee, thinks that the establishment of the 6184 *
Agricultural Station at Athenry, and of the school at Mountbellow supersede
the need for itinerant instruction. “ The exhibit from the farm at the last
Show in Athenry was a treat ; there were six or seven varieties of potatoes,
six or seven varieties of oats with the quantity per acre of grain and straw,
samples of hay grown with the different manures applied, and samples without
any manure; in fact everything that a farmer could want information on was
explained by a competent man, and I would simply consider it a waste of
money to have itinerant teachers.” Taken as a whole, and including the
evidence quoted in our Report with regard to the poultry and boar schemes, Paragraph3 88 102
the evidence as regards the progress of the work in this county is certainly
encouraging. A large portion of the county is included in the congested area.

Galway and Mayo have a poultry instructress in common.

The agricultural committee of the county of Leitrim have not published Leitrim,
any report, but very full evidence was given to us, some of which has been
already quoted, by the Rev. J. Meehan, Catholic Clergyman, who seems to have
taken a most energetic part in promoting the work of the advancement of
agriculture in the county. Speaking of his own parish, he says, that the
Department has done “ a vast amount of good,” and that this applies to the 7022A.
remainder of the county. He is of opinion that the work has been “ altogether
on the right lines.” He attributes the success of the Department in great
measure to the work previously done by the Irish Agricultural Organisation 7023.

Society, who have almost entirely got over the “ religious difficulty.”

The main work of the Department has been “ educative, and that is work
that does not appear on the surface, and whose results will not appear
for a very long time.” But the Department “ has taken the greatest possible
trouble to give the proper stamp to education.” He goes on to speak of the
pioneer lectures on various subjects, of which he thought so highly that he
“ took the trouble to put those lectures together in a little book,” which he
handed in to the Committee. He expresses great disappointment that the
lectures were not followed up by the appointment of an agricultural instructor
Application was made for one in 1903 , but the committee were unable to 7024.
obtain one.

We have spoken of the great difficulty which has been experienced
by the Department in turning out a sufficient number of trained Paragraph 73.
men who can be recommended as instructors to the county authorities.

Happily Leitrim has, since Father Meehan gave evidence, been able to appoint
an instructor. Father Meehan presses the claims of Leitrim to have an 7037.
agricultural College, and he bases this on the argument that it is especially
necessary where the soil is as poor as it is in Leitrim, otherwise people
would be trained to farming under conditions which do not apply to such a
county as Leitrim. On the vexed question of premiums for bulls, he inclines
to think the present practice increases unduly the price of the bull, and is in
favour of restricting the use of inferior bulls. He speaks of the great value 7045.
of the veterinary lectures. He is also strongly in favour of restricting the 7075.
number of the committees. The Leitrim committee consists of 76 persons.

After an emphatic expression of opinion that “ if the country is to be saved, 7089i
which is questionable, it is by agriculture,” Father Meehan concluded his

R 2

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remarkable evidence in words which, though not altogether complimentary
to ourselves, are not without point and appropriateness : —

7092-3. “ I cannot see the object or motive of this inquiry ; it seems to me a little ungracious to have

it at all. . . We have an expression in Ireland that the best hurlers are always on the ditch;

here you have externs coming in. As far as we understand, the object of the Commission is to try
and improve the Depai-tment of Agriculture, and show where it has been making mistakes.
But in its own internal constitution there is power to improve and amend and so on, and from my
knowledge of the Department, I believe that it is perfectly ready at all times to recognise any
mistakes it has made, and benefit by them. It must have been through a good deal of experi-
menting in the first few years of its existence. When a Department is experimenting, it is easy
for a man who comes along afterwards to criticise in the light of the experience accumulated by it.”

7088 . Mr. Keane, another member of the committee, gave evidence on many

points affecting the county substantially in accordance with that given by
Father Meehan. The services of the poultry instructress for this county are
shared with Roscommon and Sligo.

The county of Mayo comprises a large area of “ Congested ” Districts.

May°- J n the year terminating September 30, 1906, the committee employed an
instructor in horticulture and three instructors in butter-making. In the
current year they have also the services of an agricultural instructor and of
a poultry instructress. In their report (issued in the present year) the
committee say : —

“ The committee are glad to be in a position to state that a substantial improvement has
taken place in many respects, and that the people in the county, while not yet as much alive to the
advantages of a better agricultural education as we would wish them to be, are showing a greater
interest in the work of the Committee. The entries, in many instances, have increased on those
of former years, and the application received for premium bulls and boars, poultry stations, &c.,
were far in excess of the number that the Committee were in a position to allocate. This is a
pleasant change on your Committee’s first experience of the working of the Department’s schemes
in the county at a time when it was impossible to fill up all the premiums offered under the
county scheme.”

As regards the horse-breeding scheme, they report that 130 nominations
for mares were offered in 1906 for farmers whose valuation did not exceed
£30. Two-thirds of them were to go to farmers under £15 valuation. After
the nominations were taken up, 22 bulls were placed in the county under the
cattle breeding scheme, being 1 more than in the previous year, In
addition, the Department placed 12 bulls in the congested districts of the
county under a supplemental scheme. It is recorded that 23 premium boars
were located in the county as against 18 in 1905. Eight additional boars
were placed by the Department in the congested districts.

“-There is no scheme of the Committee more applicable to the poor districts than this, as all
the small farmers rear a large number of pigs, and it is a matter of much importance that the
quality of the animals would be kept up to a good standard.”

The observations of the committee upon the butter-making in a county
containing so large a proportion of poor land and of consequent poverty are
worth quoting in exienso.

“During 1905-06 session, provision was made for an additional instructress in butter-
making as the Committee considered that the practical lessons given in this subject were of
much importance to the people. A fair amount of butter is produced in the county; and exported
by the. traders in the different towns ; but the quality of the greater part of it is very poor.
Although in many parts of the county the qualities of the land are not suitable to the production
of a first-class article, it may be safely stated that in nearly every case a better price could be
realised if the people kept the cream under proper conditions, and if they had a thorough know-
ledge of the many points to be observed in the. production of a good article. The Committee have
received from districts where the classes have been properly attended and an intelligent interest
shown in the work, very satisfactory reports as to the benefits derived from the classes ; and they
believe that when no good results have followed it is not by any means attributable to any defect
m system of teaching, but is due to the feeling of apathy and cai'elessness — in a few cases due
to the result of a feeling that they are above being educated — which has often prevented the
efforts of the Committee to make any substantial headway.”

With regard to horticulture, the committee report the establishment of
demonstration plots in various parts of the county for the growing of fruit
and vegetables. . As in many other parts of Ireland, the object aimed at seems
to be rather an improvement in the dietary of the country people than any
.more extended commercial enterprise, “ There does not exist any reason why
& nice cottage-garden should not be attached to every small farmer’s place.”

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Professor Mason’s lectures were very much appreciated by the farmers,
and the report concludes with an acknowledgment of the courteous manner
in which the Inspector of the Department has discharged his duties, and for
the desire he has shown to make the work run as smoothly as possible.

The report we have referred to appears to represent the latest view of
the committee of agriculture. Another report, prepared in reply to our
circular letter, was put in evidence by Mr. Carolan, the secretary of the com-
mittee, which contains a good deal of general criticism of the value of tbe
work of the Department. A somewhat different and more hopeful note is
struck in the concluding paragraph.

“ We are glad to be able to state that, on the whole, our relations with the Department have 6644 .
considerably improved, and are continuing to improve : so that there will be less likelihood of
-friction in the future. We have to say that our people are inclined to expect, too much from a
new Department. Allowances must be made for experiments and mistakes in all new under-
takings. Rome was not built in a day. The technical and agricultural training of a nation
cannot be expected to be accomplished in a few years. The keystone of all reform is a fair trial
and a little patience. We have no reason to fear that, with the adoption of the many improve-
ments which will be suggested to your Commission, and with the more cordial feeling of co-opera-
tion which is being manifested between the committees and the Department, a great amount of
good for the agricultural and industrial development of Ireland can be accomplished in the future.

However, we are of opinion that a greater and more lasting good will accrue when the Depart-
ment and the other boards of this country are placed under the control of a representative national
assembly.”

Having quoted freely from the reports, we need only refer to the 6645 .
interesting evidence of Mr, Carolan, the county secretary, and of Mr. 6687-
Melvin, member of the count} r committee and county council. Mr. Melvin
-cultivates flax, and says that one year with another it is a paying crop. Mr.

Clarke, formerly secretary of the committee, and now of the county council,
and Mr. Higgins, a member of the county council, are disposed to be critical 6532 .
of the action of the Department in several respects. The points urged will 6486,
be found in the paper by Mr. Clarke set out in the Appendix LXV. The
statements in this paper were dealt with in the course of Mr. Clarke’s
examination. Mr. Larminie, an experienced but not a representative 635 °-
witness, considers that the methods of the Department are generally on the
right lines.

The report of the Roscommon committee before us is that for 1904-5. Roscommon.
The committee say that in the winter of that year they were fortunate in
securing the services, through the Department, of an instructor in agriculture,
whose duties are described, and whose instruction is stated to have been
“practical and much appreciated, especially when he was brought into contact
with the actual work of the farm.” The experiments which he conducted
are described. They excited much interest. On his leaving the service of
the committee, they were able to appoint a successor, who was at the date of
the report lecturing and selecting plots for next year’s experiments, for which
he finds a widespread demand amongst the farmers.

The committee express the opinion that the itinerant system of instruc-
tion, which was intended “ mainly to create a desire in the youth for a
more extensive knowledge of up-to-date practical farming,” had done its work.

They hope now to enable the instructor to hold classes concurrently in “ say
two neighbouring towns ” throughout the winter for young farmers or boys
intending to become farmers, and in other seasons to attend to experimental
plots.

With regard to fruit and vegetable growing, the committee report that
instruction in the growing of fruit, early potatoes, and other vegetables has
continued with good results. The instructor finds an immense interest in the
public mind this year in those branches of the great farming industry. The
report goe,s on to describe in considerable detail the nature and subjects of
. instruction, referring especially to the growing of early potatoes in boxes, and
to the desirability of greater appreciation of a variety of vegetable diet, to
which the teaching of the committee’s instructresses in domestic economy
contribute. The committee deal with the need of improvement in the
appearance of the dwellings of the poor, and the appreciation of flowers and
better surroundings. This, it is hoped, will to some extent be effected by the
.cottage prize scheme. After dealing with forestry and poultry-raising the
committee describe the method adopted by the instructress in butter-making,

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Paragraph 97.

6246-61.

6969.

6261.

Sligo.

7166.

7177.

7169.

Antrim.

8853.

8801.

8816-20.

8821.

and dwell on its importance. Purchasers have declared that butter produced
by the pupils fetches twopence a pound more than that sold by them before
attending the class. Instruction is given also in the profitable preservation of
butter for sale in winter, when much higher prices are obtainable. With
regard to the live stock schemes, the committee report that the high price of
bulls prevents the farmers from taking up all the premiums offered, but points
out that the Department keep certain bulls at Athenry for sale at cost price.
The horse-breeding scheme works well. All the nominations of horses are
taken up. The swine scheme, with the facilities afforded by the Department
as regards the purchase-money explained in the Report, appears to be working
well, and to give much satisfaction.

The evidence of Mr. Galvin, chairman of the committee of agriculture,
and Mr. Neary, a member of the committee, is much to the same effect. Both
speak favourably of the bull scheme, except that there are not enough bulls to
meet the requirements of the county. There is a visible improvement in the
cattle where the scheme operates. The poultry instructress as already stated
is shared with Leitrim and Sligo.

The committee for the county of Sligo have adopted all the schemes, and,
according to Mr. Keane, the secretary of the committee, they are working very
satisfactorily and the farmers take great interest in them. _ In this county the
Department appears in 1904 to have recommended the discontinuance of the
employment of the agricultural instructor, who had been in the service of the
committee since 1901. It recommended the substitution of winter classes,
and sent down an instructor for the purpose. No difference arose between
the committee and the Department on this ground. Mr. Keane states that
the committee and the Department always got on harmoniously. The com-
mittee publish the schemes and accounts annually, but appear not to make a
formal report. According to the latest return the county has now an
agricultural instructor, a poultry instructress, whose services are shared with
Roscommon and Leitrim, and an instructress in butter-making and in
horticulture.

Ulster.

The counties of which the province of Ulster consists present wider
differences in point of race, religion, and political opinions than are to be found
on a similar scale anywhere else in Ireland. But, so far as our Inquiry has
gone, these differences appear to have been kept altogether out of sight.
They have not, so far as we have observed, operated in any way to prevent
the cordial co-operation of the people of the various counties in carrying out a
work which has for its object the benefiting of the whole country.

A letter, signed by the chairman and secretary of the county committee,
giving an account of the present condition of their work in agriculture, dated
May'll, 1906, was laid before us and will be found in the Minutes of
Evidence. After describing the various schemes in operation, the letter
proceeds —

“ All these schemes are working admirably, and the prosperity of the county is being largely
increased thereby. The cost for the present year will amount to about £3,690, more than half of
which is provided by the Department and the remainder by the County Council from the rates,
which have only been increased by the very modest amount of \d. in £. While much remains to
be done, for example, in assistance of sea fisheries, encouraging fruit-growing, and in other direc-
tions, we have every confidence that the Department will lend a willing ear to our fair demands
in the future as in the past, and we trust that no change will be made in the constitution of the
Department that will in any way hinder the beneficent work so well begun.”

Evidence to the same effect was given by Mr. M'Cance, member of the
Antrim county council and of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society. He speaks
of the efforts made, with the sanction of the Department, hitherto not attended
with any great results, to revive a well-known and useful breed of ponies in
the Glens of Antrim, known as the Cushendall ponies. Mr. M'Cance also gives
his view that the time has come when itinerant instruction, which he con-
siders a great success, might usefully be followed up by the establishment of
small agricultural stations, where young men could receive more practical
training and more lengthened courses of instruction than is possible at present.
These views appear to be largely shared by many experienced agriculturists
in the North of Ireland.

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The evidence of Mr. M'Connell and Mr. Turtle, members of the Antrim 888 £
county council, and of Mr. M'Clure, a farmer, and Mr. Coey, a repre- 1031 b.
sentative of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, strongly confirm the 9o8e -
report above quoted.

The report of the county committee of agriculture and technical
instruction for 1904-5 is also before us. It gives full details of the
working of the schemes up to the date of the report. Fair progress is reported
in the winter classes held at Ballymena for the sons of farmers. This was the
second year of the establishment of this class. The courses, one of six weeks
before Christmas, and one of six weeks afterwards, were felt to be too short.

The horticultural instructor for the county reports that there was great
need in the county for more knowledge of fruit growing and its advantages.

He states that great interest was being felt in the subject, and that there was
a considerable demand for the information. The working of the poultry and
Swine schemes for this county is dealt with in paragraphs 97 and 102 of our
Report.

The report of the committee of agriculture and technical instruction for Armagl
the county of Armagh is a very elaborate document, and deals fully with all
the schemes in operation in the county.

As regards the horse-breeding scheme, Armagh is one of the counties
which favours the use of half-bred stallions and anticipated an improvement
in the working of the scheme from the Department having made the con-
cession of including such stallions in the register. The cattle-breeding
scheme is described as most popular and appears to be working in a
thoroughly satisfactory manner.

A great improvement in the number of entries in the second year of the
operation of the scheme of prizes for small farms and cottages is recorded.

This is attributed to raising the valuation of the agricultural holdings
qualifying for competition from £10 to £20. In 1907 the qualification is to
be further raised to £25, “ This scheme was initiated solely for the benefit

of the small farmer and cottager, and it is hoped that they may yet be
induced to take such interest in it as may lead to the brightening of many
a homestead in the county.”

Full particulars are given as to agricultural experiments conducted
in the county. A graphic account of the methods and results of the experi-
ments on soils and artificial manures is given in the memorandum by Mr. J.

Redmond and set out in the Appendix LYII. Agricultural work in all its 8444.
branches seems to be in progress throughout the county with great vigour 8537.
and promise, and very general satisfaction is felt at the energetic action of 8665 -
the county committees. This view is generally expressed in the evidence of
the witnesses called before us — Mr. Huston, secretary of the committee, Mr.

Murphy and Mr. M'Clure, members of committee, and Mr. Lockhart, a
farmer residing in the county.

The committee of the Cavan county council have not been in the habit Cavan,
of issuing a report. Interesting evidence was given by representative
witnesses. Mr. M'Quaid, representing the committee, told us that he thinks 959 °-
that when the live stock scheme was first introduced into the county about
two-thirds of the population were in favour of it, and one-third against it.

“ Some thought it came to assist the landlords. Others said it would increase
the rent when the judicial term expired. That died away by all the estates
in the county Cavan nearly being sold, and people became the owners
of their own land.” Mr. M'Quaid differs from the view of the Department
as to the ticketing of premium bulls before sale, and, as often, happens, is
disposed to complain of the Department declining to change its practice. 9596.

He recommends that a representative of the county should be associated
with the inspector of the Department in the selection of premium bulls, and
would admit to premiums Longford or Roscommon cattle. He complains 9612,
of the small number of premium bulls, and thinks they do not benefit the
poorer parts as much as would be possible if they were more numerous and
not limited to the particular high-class breeds. He also has some criticisms 9622>
on the horse-breeding scheme, and would like to have double the number of
nominations and half the present fee for service.

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9884.

9954.

9883.

Appendix XXXIII.

9905-9927.
Paragraphs 98, 102.

As regards the instruction in agriculture, Mr. M‘Quaid tells us that it has
been a marked success. “ The people, everyone has taken to it.” He thinks
very highly of the methods employed by the agricultural instructors. He
believes “ the people of the county have laboured a third more this year than
they have for the last fifteen years.” He speaks of the improved crops. u I
think the whole cause of it was the few pounds that were set aside for
experimental plots.”

General Clifford, also a member of the county committee, strongly
confirms Mr. M‘Quaid’s evidence as to the value and results of theagricultural
instruction.

Speaking of the lectures of Professor Mason, he says that at one of the
first which he attended there was an attendance of 10. Three years after-
wards the attendance was crowded, and there were a number of young farmers
with notebooks taking notes. General Clifford wants the Department to
employ a shorthand writer, and to circulate copies of these lectures.

He greatly deplores the loss of the agricultural instructor — “ he is
mourned all over the county ” — who has been promoted in the service of the
Department, and it will be seen from the return in the Appendix that the
county has not yet been able to find a qualified instructor to supply his place.
General Clifford also agrees with Mr. M'Quaid on the much controverted
question of the policy of ticketing the premium bulls before the sale, and an
interesting discussion on this point will be found in his examination. The
witnesses’ views as to the working of the boar and poultry schemes have
already been referred to.

Mr. A. S. Lough, member of the Council of Agriculture and Agricultural
Board and of the county committee, in the course of his important evidence
made some useful observations and criticisms upon the work of the Department
in the county. Speaking of the new station at Ballyhaise, he says : —

1 2281 . “I think it will be a very useful thing in the county and a great assistance toi the

Department in carrying on their schemes. The intention is not only to educate young men,
but it will be useful if it becomes a distributing station for good stock of various sorts, and
also there might ultimately he established a dairy herd there, where records of milk ought to be
kept. It is a very necessary thing in this country, as I consider the small farmers in Ireland
don’t undei’stand the necessity for watching the milk yields, and they don’t pay much attention
to it. Referring to the schemes in the county, the details are contained in the pamphlet prepared
by the County Secretary, and very good results are shown where we have local organisations that
are able to assist the instructors and instructresses who give the six weeks’ courses of lectures,
and one of the most important points is that we should try and get local committees and local
organisations established by the Department. Too much work is thrown on the County Secretary,
and the educational work the Department could do here is very great. It has not been done as
fully as it should be, and especially with reference to the technical branch of their work, when
teachers go into a district for a six weeks’ course, unless there is an active local committee it is
unsatisfactory, but less with regard to such instruction as poultry-keeping and horticulture and
bee-keeping, because you only want occasional visits. There is not the slightest doubt that the
result of the Department’s work in the County Cavan has been very useful in giving the small
farmers a good idea of the advantages of using artificial manures to a much larger extent than
they ever did before. I believe it to be a fair estimate to say that there are a hundred bags of
artificial manure used now for one used twenty years ago.”

“ 12282. (Mr. Dry den). — 'Can. you say anything about the result of using that
manure ? — It has been very satisfactory, and I have not the slightest doubt it has increased the
wealth producing capacity of the district considerably ; we had a very useful agricultural
instructor, a sensible, level-headed man. It used to be a common thing in Cavan town for the
sweepings from hay lofts to be sold as grass seeds to poor people : years ago that was quite
common. Now no such thing would be thought of. Where farmers used to buy light grass
seeds they now buy the heaviest they can get.”

Donegal. We have referred in the Report to the unfortunate friction which has

graph 72 . taken place in the county of Donegal, which has resulted in the county

hitherto not having the benefit of any instructors in agriculture or the
kindred subjects. It is, however, satisfactory to find that, notwithstanding
this drawback, the secretary of the county committee, Mr. E. H. O’Doherty,
is able to report that for the last two years the live stock scheme, the
cottage and flower prize scheme, the subsidies to shows scheme, and the flax
scheme have been in operation.

With regard to the first of these, he states that it is admitted that since
the live stock . schemes came into operation a very great improvement has
been effected in the quality of live stock in the count} 7 , especially in the

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breeds of horses and cattle. Similar evidence is given by Mr. M‘ Arthur, 7775 .
member of the committee. Mr. Weir, a farmer living at Lifford, expresses
his disagreement with the evidence of Mr. Cassidy, a member of the com- 8436.
mittee, who proposed that the live stock schemes should be framed and ad- 8402 ~ 20 -
ministered by district committees, that bulls should be procured by these
committees, and that the Department should be under an obligation to
register the animal so purchased. Mr. Weir would not alter the present
system of selecting premium bulls, and is not in favour of half-bred bulls. 8411>

The report of the committee of agriculture for county Down for 1906 Down,
sets out the various schemes for the county. All the schemes appear in this
county to be vigorously worked, including the flaxscheme. For this scheme
a special sub-committee is appointed by the county committee, consisting of
six persons, each of whom must be an experienced scutcher or grower of flax,
but all payments have to be authorised by the county committee. Special
interest attaches to the paragraphs relating to the winter school at Down-
patrick. It is stated that owing to the success attending the school in 1904-5,
it has been determined to hold another session in the winter of 1905-6. The
classes are confined to sons of agricultural farmers and labourers in the county
of Down, above 16, who are actually engaged in full work. No fee is charged
for attendance, but an entrance examination must be passed. A limited
number of scholarships of £12 each are offered to enable young men who
cannot travel daily to the school to reside in Downpatrick — subject to the
condition of satisfactory attendance and progress. The lecturers are the
agricultural instructor and a veterinary lecturer. The report contains
information as to the nature and results of the various experiments conducted
in the county under the agricultural instructor and the reports of the
several instructors.

This county has the benefit of a fund called the “ Henry Trust ” Fund the 9189 -
history of which was given us by Mr. M‘Connell. The objects of the trust
are somewhat similar to those of the scheme of the Munster Institution.

The fund bequeathed by Mr. Henry accumulated for fifty years, and in 1899
a scheme for its administration was formed. The trustees have acquired 52
acres of land, and are anxious to establish with the aid of the Department a
small model farm of the type of Olonakilty or Athenry, but on a much smaller
scale. Nothing, however, has yet been finally determined on, and in the
meantime the trustees are contributing £250 per annum towards the Down-
patrick winter school. This contribution affords very material assistance in
promoting agricultural education in the county.

The letter of the committee of May 19, 1906, in answer to the circular Appendix lxv.
addressed to local authorities, is to the same effect. It also suggests that the
time has now come when the Department should provide an agricultural farm
and school in each county for the training of young men in practical agricul-
ture.

Other demands for increased pecuniary aid are made by some of the 9095 .
witnesses. Mr. Dickson, a member of the committee, hopes that the Depart-
ment will have funds at its disposal to give the committee a great many
more premium bulls. Colonel Sharman-Crawford would have the Depart-
ment establish experimented farms in different parts of the county with the 9052 -
view of proving that good farming pays. In considering proposals of this
nature it must be borne in mind that the rate raised by the county is Appendix xxv
only \d. in the pound.

Col. Sharman Crawford, the chairman of the county council, speaking 9 038
from a large experience, tells us that there has been “ a tremendous change in
the character especially of the animals reared in the country.” At Shrews-
bury, where a large quantity of Irish store cattle are sold, “ the stock-buyers
have told me that since the Department’s work the value of Irish stores has
considerably advanced.” ..." There is ocular demonstration that the 9040 .
man who employs a premium bull or uses some of the schemes is getting
more money.”

No report is issued by the committee of county Fermanagh. The Fermanagh,
working of the schemes is said by Mr. Archdale and the Rev. J. Hall, members
of the committee, and Mr. West, secretary, to be very satisfactory, and the 8226 .
relations between the committee and the Department of a smooth and cordial 3272 !

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character. . There has been no friction. Mr. Archdale has a few criticisms to
make. He says the premium bulls “ have done a tremendous lot of good, more
.especially to the small farmers,” but that in the poorer districts of the county
. there are not enough farmers who will take premium bulls, and he is in favour
of good half-bred bulls being selected by the Department for use in these
districts. Mr. Hall, who has considerable practical experience, does not agree
on this point. He would adhere to pure-breeds, using Kerries or Galloways in
mountain districts. Mr. Hall, too, is emphatically in favour of the system of
selecting premium bulls before purchasing, but would like the premiums
increased. Mr. Hall is not quite satisfied with the boar scheme, and wishes
a sheep scheme tried again. The repty of the Fermanagh committee of
agriculture to our circular letter is to the same effect as Mr. West’s
evidence.

Mr. Archdale states that nothing has done so much good in Fermanagh
as prizes for cottages and gardens. He would like the Department to add
prizes for draining. “ Nearly all Fermanagh is bought by the tenants, and I
think the men ought to get prizes for laying the drains properly.”

Co. Londonderry. The report for 1906 of the committee of agriculture and technical
instruction for the county of Londonderry for 1906 sets out the schemes of in-
struction in agriculture, poultry keeping, subsidies to shows, and flax growing.
To the live stock schemes a prefatory note is prefixed, as in several other
counties, calling attention to the intention to take measures to improve dairy
cattle by the selection and registration of dairy cows. The horse, cattle and
swine schemes are set out in full, and a short statement is given of their
working. The committee regret the loss of their agricultural instructor on
his promotion, but since the issue of the report another instructor has been
appointed. The only other instructor on the agricultural side now at work
in the county is the poultry instructor.

In October, 1905, it is stated the Department offered the services of
Professor Mason on veterinary hygiene for ten lectures. These were much
appreciated and, generally speaking, well attended. Ten pioneer lectures
on horticulture were delivered by Mr. Orr, sent down by the Department
in April, 1905. Following up the pioneer lectures a further series of ten
practical lectures were delivered in the month of October. The lecturer
reported that, with one exception, the pioneer lectures were poorly
attended, but that there was a much better attendance at the practical
lectures.

The report concludes with an account of experiments and demonstrations
carried out by the agricultural instructor upon the growing of oats, manuring
and sprouting of potatoes ; and upon the varieties of potatoes, manuring of
hay, testing of seeds, analysis of cattle foods, and purchase and use of artificial
manures. This report appears to be a good specimen of the working of the
system in the earlier stages of its development.

7589. The evidence of the representative witnesses carry on the story of

progress for another year. Mr. Hamilton, the chairman of the special
committee appointed to draw up an answer to the circular letter issued by
us, read the report of the committee, in which they

“ Desire to place on record our high appreciation of the important work in which the
Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland has been engaged since its
constitution under the Agricultural and Technical Instruction (Ireland) Act, 1899, and the
manner in which the Department lias endeavoured to carry out the provisions of that Act. We
approve of the Department as at present constituted, and consider that any material change in its
constitution would be disastrous to the cause of agriculture in Ireland, and therefore inadvisable.”

They consider that the time has come when more power might be given
to county committees in the matter of drawing up and carrying out county
schemes. They consider that the Department —

“Should, in drawing up such schemes, be assisted by an advisory committee, nominated by
the county committees in such districts or provinces in order that the conditions prevailing in
eacn portion of such district or province may be properly understood and provided for.”

They also suggest that the contributions of the Department should bear
a somewhat larger proportion to the amount raised by rate in the county than
it does at present. There appears to have been some difference of opinion in

8826-31.

8264-5.

Appendix LXV.
8242-5.

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the county council on the question of the adoption of this report. The
adoption was carried by 14 to 8 votes. Mr. Hamilton incidentally made an
interesting reference to an agricultural College established by the North
West Agricultural Association at Templemoyle, near Derry, in 1826.
This Association “ largely anticipated the work of the Department,” and did “ a
great and useful work until about 1847,” when, owing to the .Famine, it
became embarrassed, and handed over its funds and its work to the Board
.of National Education. “Under them it began gradually to decline, and
collapsed some time in the early sixties.”

Some criticisms upon the working of the flax schemes in this county
were made by Mr. Warnoek and Mr. Stewart. These have been already
referred to. Attention is called to the reply of the county council to our
circular letter set out in Appendix LXV. The committee of agriculture
and technical instruction approves of the Department “as at present con-
stituted and consider that any material change in its constitution would be
disastrous to the cause of agriculture in Ireland, and therefore inadvisable.”
There seems to be some difference of opinion in county Monaghan with
regard to the working of the Department. The answer to the circular letter
addressed by us to the county committee contains complaints of what they
regard as too rigid an adherence to fixed rules by the officials of the Depart-
ment and of the methods in which the qualifying examinations of candidates
for positions under the county committees are conducted. They also
complain of the slowness of the Department in adopting special schemes put
forward by them for the improvement of dairy cattle. The report for 1906-7,
of the committee of agriculture, which apparently is written from a different
standpoint, deals freely with the opposition to county schemes. They find it
necessary

“ To draw the attention of those inhabitants of this county who are either indifferent or
hostile to the working of the Agricultui-al and Technical Instruction Act, to the great advantage
obtainable by our people from the adoption and proper working of our schemes.”

“ Those who work on the county committees have often experienced the injury done to the
beneficial work sought to be effected for our people by this constant condemnation of the Depart-
ment and of the working of the Act.”

“ A large majority of the ratepayers of our county are well satisfied with the carrying out
of the several schemes, and there are comparatively few who have not benefited directly or
indirectly by them.”

After referring to the objection to the Id. rate, the committee proceed
to point out that the holdings of the large majority of the county Monaghan
farmers were valued at sums under £20 each. The rate, therefore, does not
exceed 20 d., generally much less, and there “is not a farmer who could not
make as many shillings, by taking the advantages held out to him by the
smallest of these schemes, while many of those who are industrious and
enterprising have made considerable sums of money by the benefits thus
conferred on our rural population.”

The following observations deserve quotation : —

“ There are two other charges strongly pressed against our movement — first, that it
does not benefit the poor man; and, second, that the money spent in instructing our people
would be better spent in starting industries.

“In reply to the first, we refer to our schemes for a complete answer. A casual
perusal of them will show at once how careful our Committee has been to place every
advantage obtainable from the schemes within the reach of all. Our officials have acted
up to the same spirit, for in all the lectures and demonstrations the greatest care has been
taken that nothing will be recommended which cannot be availed of by the poorest amongst
us. Special care is given by our agriculturist, horticulturist, and poultry instructresses to
the facilities of the small farmers for following their advice. The large and wealthy far-
mers have been excluded from the benefits of the live stock schemes. The technical instruc-
tion schemes, as well as the farm and flax prize schemes, have been so framed that by far
the greatest benefits and advantages are availed of by the small farmers, tradesmen, and
labourers. Our agricultural and home industrial shows stand on the same footing, for,
notwithstanding that the largest portion of the funds with which these shows are carried
on are subscribed by well-to-do people, the greatest care has been taken in drafting the
schedules to prevent the rich or more prosperous members of the community from competing
with the less wealthy. In fact, as far as this county is concerned, the whole tendency of
the working of the Acts is to elevate and improve the peasantry, so that the first of the
above-mentioned charges is wholly unsustainable.”

S 2

7 599.

759G.

7593.

7503.

Paragraph 105.
7536.

Monaghan.

Appendix LXV.

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140

See Ruske, 10171.

Greenbank. 9653.
Toal, 10074.
Gosselin, 7072.
Greenbank, 9649.
Rev. E. K'Kenna,
9683-96.

Mohan, 9706.
Hall, 9668.

Appendix LVII

Appendix LVIII.

Tyrone.

As to the second, the report points out the danger and difficulty of
attempting to create industries artificially : —

“ The industries a country can rely on arise one out of the other and depend on each other.”

With regard to agricultural classes the committee report that they
have been abandoned as they “ did not take very well,” and the agricultural
instructor has been directed to give more of his time to demonstrations and
experiments, and that “he is to illustrate his lectures by demonstrations
during the day in some field or garden near -where he lectures in the evening.”
The work of the instructresses as regards poultry and butter are very
favourably reported on.

The committee regret that very little progress has been made with bee-
keeping in the mountainous districts, “ Horticulture is of more interest to
the Monaghan farmers.” The report is hopeful as to increased production of
fruit in the county, and calls attention to the cider and jam and fruit pre-
serving factory at Portadown. Success is claimed for the cottage and farm
prize scheme, shown by “ the vast change for the better which has taken place
in many of the farms throughout the country.” Complaints are made as to
the scarcity of registered stallions. The scheme for subsidies to shows has
done much to rouse the interest of the people in their principal employment
especially in farming. The committee refer with pride to the establishment
of the Monaghan agricultural school “ without any outside help,” and think
the “ Department might be more generous in its treatment of it.” It appears
that it is desired to attach a farm to this school. The provision of demon-
stration farms by the Department jointly with the county council is advocated
by Mr. Toal, representing the county council, and by Sir Nicholas Gosselin.
Some of the witnesses criticise some of the arrangements of the Department
as to the selection of premium bulls, and complaints were made by the Rev.
E. M‘Kenna, P.P., as to what he regarded as the arbitrary character of the
conduct of the Department in certain particular cases detailed by him. Dr.
Hall, member of the committee, sees “ the greatest improvement in the people
since the Department started.”

It should be added that the report gratefully acknowledges the assistance
which the work of the committee has received from the clergy and attributes
principally to their influence the fact that the Act of 1899 has become so
popular in Monaghan.

Mr. J. Daly, a representative of the county council and committee of
agriculture, while admitting that the Department has done good, criticises
it for its reluctance to recognise half-bred stallions and bulls, and for its
refusal to assist in the supply of lime. He also objects to the rule prohibiting
the employment of a native of the county as an instructor therein.

Mr. P. Whelan, a member of the same council and committee, while
expressing himself perfectly satisfied that the adoption of technical and
agricultural instruction has been a source of benefit to the people of Monaghan,
thinks that more might have been done by the Department to assist the
poorer districts of the county as regards the supply of lime, and to obtain
from the Railway Company increased facilities for this purpose. He thinks
that the instruction the people have received has been sufficient to teach them
the value of the use and application of the proper manures, and that lectures
might be superseded for a year or two, the money thus saved being devoted
to the supply of lime.

The report of the committee of agriculture for county Tyrone for 1904-
1905, which contains also the agricultural and live stock schemes in operation
in the county during 1905-1906, shows the whole system in full work, with
the exception of butter-making, for which there was no instructress. After
submitting full reports as to the agricultural classes, lectures on flax cultiva-
tion, inspection of flax mills, lectures, demonstrations, and experiments in
agriculture, horticulture, and bee-keeping, poultry, live stock, and other
schemes, the committee

“ In bringing their report to a close desire to record their conviction that the work of
the year under review and that of preceding years is bearing fruit, and while all results
cannot be tabulated, while indeed the most important results cannot be set forth in the
convenient compass of a balance sheet, being represented as they are by a gradual dissemination
of knowledge, an increase in receptivity to new ideas among the agricultural community, and

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the adoption of new methods, nevertheless the progress in the directions indicated is real, and is
in the opinion of the Committee, of primary importance. The teaching given to those attending
the classes of instruction in technical agriculture has been of special value, and it is believed
that the result of this training on younger farmers in the county will be far-reaching and
permanent. An attempt has been made to ensure a continuation of interest among students of
the classes by the formation of an agricultural students’ association, and by giving facilities to
students to carry out, on their own farms during the summer, experiments under the direction of
the itinerant instructor of agriculture. The interest taken in the lectures of the itinerant
instructors throughout the county has increased considerably, and the constant demand made for
the assistance and advice of these officers is a satisfactory proof of the high quality of their
work.”

This estimate of the satisfactory character of the progress made by
agriculture in the county was fully borne out by the witnesses who gave evi-
dence before us. Mr. Montgomery, a member of the Council of Agriculture, 3352-8.
Agricultural Board and county committee, thinks that the time has come when
an agricultural college or station — at all events, a central station — should be
established in the county, where experiments could be carried on under the
direction of the agricultural instructor. The secretary of the committee,

Mr. Dallinger, testifies that the relations between the committee and the 7371-7.
Department have been, generally, most friendly, and that the suggestions of
the committee have been on several occasions adopted by the Department
and embodied in the schemes. Mr. Dallinger favours the idea of a model
experimental farm rather than that of a residential college, and suggests that 7395-416.
it might be transferred, afcer an interval, from one part of the county to another.

Mr. Eaton, a member of the committee, agrees generally with Mr. Dallinger,
especially as to the great benefits of the poultry scheme. He thinks, however, 7459 -
that some of the other schemes have not reached the poorer parts of the
county, and that the experiments are too much confined to the good land. 7471 '

Mr. Stewart, also a member of the committee, agrees with the other
witnesses as to the successful working of the various schemes, with the 7486,
exception of the flax scheme. He does not consider flax-growing profitable 7488 .
at present prices, and thinks the money spent on the scheme might be used to
more advantage. The general result of the evidence from Tyrone appears to
be that very satisfactory progress has been made in the working of the Act of
1899 , and that further progress may be hopefully looked for.

Leinster.

The Carlow committee have published no report. There are instructors Carlow,
in agriculture, poultry-keeping, and butter-making, and the live stock schemes
are in operation. The premiums offered for bulls and the nominations for
mares have been fully taken up. Mr. Hanlon, the representative of the
committee of agriculture and member of the Agricultural Council, tells us
that the live stock schemes “have been doing a great deal of good,” and that 11Jt7
“ the good that they will effect will be greater perhaps in the future.” He
speaks very highly of the work of the instructress in butter and poultry, and 11350.
also of the work of the agricultural instructor, both in his lectures and in
following up the lectures by experiments with seeds and manures.

“ I think he has created an interest in agriculture which there was not before, and set people 11361.
thinking as to the best means of carrying out these things.”

The committee of county Dublin do not issue a report. The letter Dublin,
of the secretary set out in the Appendix LXV. contains many complaints of
the conduct of the Department in particular matters. Some of these were
found in the course of the evidence to rest on misconception of the Depart-
ment’s powers and duties. The evidence of Mr. O’Neill, referred to below, Sec Re P° rt - P ar - 215
throws some light on the character of the friction which has unfortunately
existed between the Department and the committee. Two of its members,

Mr. James Walsh and Mr. Joseph Mooney, were deputed to give evidence Mooney ne is.
before us. We much regret to say that Mr. Walsh died a few days before
his evidence was to have been taken. This county is one of the two Irish
counties which have no instructors in agriculture or the kindred subjects.

Mr. Patrick O’Neill gave evidence as chairman both of the committee and
of the county council. Mr. O’Neill also appeared before us as a represen-
tative of the Agricultural Board, of which he is a member, representing the

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province of Leinster. He is also a member of the Council of Agriculture.
In those capacities Mr. O'Neill gave evidence of a general character bearing
on our present subject.

On the relations between the Department and the county committees,
be says : —

“I think I might say that in my opinion some of the friction which has taken place
between those local committees and the Department might have been avoided by a less rigid
application of the various schemes. I am free to confess the Department always were most anxious
in the first instance to establish broad principles, but in the application of those principles differ-
ences of opinion from time to time arose which caused friction between the Department s officials
and the county committees. They were in some degree inevitable, I suppose, and would have
arisen, I think, necessarily in all new undertakings with which the people were not familiar, but
at the same time I do think that a more elastic administration of the schemes in some matters of
detail would certainly have forwarded the interests of the Department s work in some of the
counties, and, I think, would have gone in a large measure to popularise the administration of the
Department at an earlier stage of its work. I think that the committees, now that they are
becoming familiar with the principles on which' the Department administers, are more tolerant,
and recognise the necessity of what at the outset they were slow to see.”

In order to illustrate this statement, Mr. O'Neill refers to a question which
had arisen between the agricultural committee and the Department about
the poultry scheme. This scheme was put in operation by the committee for
three years. The attendance at the lectures did not satisfy the committee,
and they consequently

“ came to the conclusion that as the people had not manifested a desire to attend for the
purpose of being instructed— and I admit they needed the instruction— we had not received the
' co-operation from the people that we desired. The committee thought that they would not be justi-
fied in continuing the portions of the scheme which had proved unpopular, and they made a pro-
posal with that intention to the Department, which the Department refused to sanction. I adrnit-
there was a strong show of reason for the Department’s attitude, their contention being that
instruction should go on at the same time as the demonstrations with regard to other branches of
the subject ; but a feeling prevailed at my committee that, as the people had not. manifested the
desire, they would not be considered as wisely administering public funds by retaining officials to
give lectures to audiences which did not assemble. I only give this as an instance in which I
think more elasticity in the administration of the fund might in some degree have tended to
popularise the administration of the Department.”

At a later stage in his evidence Mr. O’Neill deals with the general ques-
tion whether the time has not come to give rather more freedom of action to
county committees : —

“ it, is just possible, now that these committees have been in some degree, educated, that it
would be wiser to give them a little more power than they have hitherto exercised.”

3144-68.

3135.

11674.

11676.

Appendix

Nos. XXIII., XXIV.
Kildare.

Mr. O’Neill discusses the possible application of this suggestion to horse-
breeding and cattle schemes. He speaks very highly of the benefits derived
from those schemes, which he considers to be quite on right lines, but desires
their extension. He also speaks most highly of the action of the Department
with regard to the introduction and development of new varieties of potatoes.
He desires a great extension of the Department’s work, and thinks more funds
are greatly needed.

As already observed, Mr. O’Neill’s evidence, though applicable, to, is by no
means confined to the limits of the county of Dublin. . It explains to some
extent the reasons which have caused the county committee not to avail them-
selves of the services of instructors. Mr. Mooney, who has ceased to be a
member of the committee, gave no evidence bearing on the working of the
schemes in the county, except that he refers to the dropping of the poultry
scheme. He says no one came to listen to the lectures, but “the eggs
were greatly appreciated and had a good effect,” and the committee asked the
Department to let them have the eggs part of the scheme, and drop the
lectures. “ But no, they would not ; it was a scheme for all Ireland, and the
lectures and eggs must go together ; you must take the lecture or you won’t
get the eggs. Now, that is silly and ridiculous.”

The tables printed in the Appendix show that Dublin county raises a
\d. rate, and that the nominations of mares and premiums for bulls were fully
taken up.

The latest report published for the county of Kildare was for the year
1903-4, and shows the schemes for agriculture, horticulture, butter-making,
and poultry in full operation, under instructors, whose lectures appear
generally to have been very well attended. The live stock schemes, the farm

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.and cottage prize schemes, and especially the horticultural scheme, appear to
be in full operation. In this county the work of the Department appears to
. be going on smoothly and successfully.

Mr. Malone, member of the committee and also of the county council, 15417 *
says that the committee has got on very well with the Department, and that
the instructors have certainly done a great deal of good. He would like to
.give more in prizes for small farms and cottages. “ I think that has done a
wonderful sight of good in the country.” He would also give more to shows.

A good deal has been done by demonstration plots, “ but it would be better if we 15425 .
had a farm, though the farm would be too expensive.” Mr . James Behan, a
practical farmer in the county, speaks highly of the value of agricultural 127116 - 73 .
lectures. He mentions the difficulty of getting any suitable hall or other
place for the purpose, and advocates the formation of local committees to
make necessary arrangements.

The chairman of the Kilkenny committee of agriculture, Major Connellan, Kilkenny,
also a member of the Council of Agriculture, told us that at first they were not
altogether fortunate in their instructors, and at present the county appears to 11309 .
be without agricultural instruction. He speaks favourably of the good
done in the county, especially as regards horse-breeding. With regard to the
bull scheme, he wishes for an arrangement whereby, when a premium is not
taken up, it may be given to another applicant. The Department has not
as yet seen its way to meet the wishes of the committee. This county, like
Limerick, was anxious for an earlier adoption of the dairy-cow scheme. Major
Connellan speaks favourably of the results of the poultry scheme. Last year 11311 -
1,468 dozen of eggs from pure breeds were distributed. Also he states that
the instruction in butter-making and bee-keeping has been successful so far. 11318 '

Mr. John Butler, another member of the committee, somewhat strongly uses.

criticised the action of the Department. He alleged dictatorial conduct

and delay in the adoption of the county scheme. Mr. Brennan, a member of

the committee and of the Council of Agriculture, thinks that -the Depart- i 1324-37.

ment has not met with approval generally, and that nine-tenths of the farmers

are losing interest in it. The report of the committee for 1904-5 shows

that the nominations for mares were 100 : they were raised in the following

year to 150, and it will be seen from the table in the Appendix that they were Apr ' ondix XXIV *

all taken up in the year 1906. Twenty-three premiums were allotted for bulls ;

16 were taken up in 1905, and 17 were taken up in 1906. The committee,
in their report, urge the adoption of some plan for re-allotting the premiums
not taken up. The premiums for boars do not appear to be in favour. The
committee report favourably on the result of the instruction in horticulture
and bee-keeping, and on the results of the potato-spraying experiments. This
county appears to have suffered from having been without an agricultural
instructor for nearly two years.

A very interesting report was published in 1906 by the King’s county King’s County,
joint technical committee and the King’s county committee for agriculture
and livestock, on the operations for the year ending September 30, 1905.

This is the third annual report for this county. No less than 15 local com-
mittees “ for the furtherance of technical instruction and agricultural and
live stock schemes” were established in the county, and the names of the
members of the various committees are given. In a large number of the
committees the names of the clergy, both Catholic and Protestant, appear.

The report speaks with praise of this organisation and its working. “ When
local effort is wanting the results cannot be satisfactory.”

At the date of the report the county was without the services of a
qualified agricultural instructor. “The fact constitutes a crying need.” The
committee decided to wait for a qualified Irishman. One has since been
appointed.

A horticultural instructor was first appointed in October, 1905,. and the
committee, in December of that year, note with satisfaction that up to that date
“ orders for over 1,000 fruit trees have been received by the committee, the
variety and purchase being left to the instructor,”

“ There is every reason to hope that fruit growing will be a commercial success in Kind’s
County. The soil has been pronounced suitable, the interest of the farmers has been awakened
and the transit question will duly be tackled. The instructor is also receiving orders for forest
trees.”

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13811-13.

13826-35.

13841.

13860-85.

11722-53

4881-72.

Longford.

The courses in butter-making appear to have been successful. The Bev. P.
O'Donohoe, C.O., member of the Ologhan local committee, reports —

“ The teachers were most agreeable, and seemed anxious to do everything to mate their
classes both interesting and beneficial to the pupils. They willingly visited die dairies of the
farmers in the locality when invited, and gave many nsefnl hints on the art of hutter-making.
Instead of trying to explain the use of some improved type of dairy utensil, which, however
supedorfis inaccessible to the majority of small farmers, the, showed them how to mate the
best use of those at hand; and instead of expatiating on some new-fangled method of butter-
makin" they followed the system with which the people wore acquainted, and showed them how
that system might be improved. • Consequently this course of instruction, owing to the judgment
and common sense of the instructress, has left tangible results.

Full information and some useful criticisms are contained in the report
as to the working of the cattle and boar schemes, which appear to give much
satisfaction. As' to the prizes for cottages and small farms, it is stated that
none of the county schemes has given more satisfaction.

Mr. Darby, representing the county committee, gave some very
useful evidence,” with respect to the southern part of the county, as to the
need of veterinary advice and assistance. He favours the encouragement of
well-bred hulls other than thoroughbred, and the requirement of a licence for
service, and expresses an opinion in favour of the Department concentrating
its attention on fewer objects. He speaks of the improvement which has
resulted from the pig-breeding scheme, and gives some useful evidence as to
the promotion of a bacon-curing factory at Eoscrea.

Mr. Evan. a member of the agricultural committee, representing the
northern part of the county, regrets that reductions have this year had to be
made in the nominations for mares and in premium boars. ihere lias also
been a reduction of one premium bull. Mr. Egan is in favour of restrictions
on the use of inferior stallions and bulls. He also Strongly insists on the
need for improved facilities for marketing butter and eggs Dy co-operation
or otherwise. ,

Mr. Corbett, a member of the county council and also of the Council of
Agriculture, gives evidence to the same effect as Mr. Egan as to the desirability
off limiting the use of unsound horses and bulls, and wishes bulls selected
for premiums to be put up for public auction. He thinks at present the
price is unduly increased. With some criticisms he thinks that in this
county there has been decided improvement in the breeding of cattle. .

No witness appeared before us representing the agricultural committee of
the county Longford. We have been furnished with the report of the
committee for the year 1904-5, by which it appears that the schemes m force
in that year were the live stock schemes, cattle, horses, and swine, the
poultry, the butter-making, and the farm prize scheme.

The committee refer with gratification to the excellence of the mares
exhibited at the shows held at the competition for nominations, which were
considered by the very experienced judges to have been superior to the
exhibits of any county in Ireland except two. The report dwelt on the great
advisability of the introduction of a good type of draught horse.

Thenumber of premiums for bulls offered by the committee was increased
in the vear referred to from 12 to 14, and the report dwells on the
importance of farmers exerting themselves to procure premium bulls, and
points out the advantageous terms on which they can be_ obtained by means
of the Department’s system of loans. Similar observations are made with
reference to the swine ' scheme. The marked success of the poultry scheme m
this county has already been referred to.

The question of the desirability of introducing instruction in butter-
making appears to have been a good deal discussed in this county. he intro-
duction of creameries had, it appears, practically killed the old home butter-
making industry. The majority of the committee were of opinion that while
butter for export could only be properly produced at the creameries, . there
was still a market for home-grown butter made under sanitary conditions,
and then the evil existing from sending every drop of milk to the creameries,
and depriving children of their proper food, might be averted. They therefore
appointed an instructress ‘‘ to preserve in the country a knowledge of butter-
making on scientific principles,” and the keeping of milk in sanitary condition.

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The committee express themselves satisfied with the results of the efforts of
the instructress, and express a hope that practice of home dairying will
increase in the county.

The committee say that no scheme has done greater good than the
prize scheme for cottages and small farms. There were in the year 77
entries,

The Longford Agricultural Society’s show for the first time contributed
specimens of all matters included in the agricultural schemes, and was a
distinct advance on any previous display of the Society. The committee are
convinced that it is impossible to measure the good done by such shows.

The report goes on to speak of the marvellous anxiety of the people to
hear Professor Mason’s lectures on veterinary hygiene.

The report of the committee for county Louth deals with the working
of the schemes for the years 1903-4. Full details are given of the working
of the schemes, which seem to give satisfaction. The work of the itinerant
instructors is specially commended. Only one representative witness, Mr.
Dolan, member of the committee, gave evidence before us. He reports very
favourably on the working of the live stock, butter and poultry schemes.
The horticultural scheme, he says, has not been successful, the county not
being adapted for gardening. Speaking generally, he says : —

“ I think the schemes carried out by the Department and the County Committees have had
definitely useful and profitable results which, so far as I can judge, repaid tlieir own cost.”

The county committee for Meath are in the habit of making
reports to the county council every quarter. Those for 1905 have been
furnished. Each meeting of the committee and . the members present
are recorded. They furnish full details of the working of the schemes, all of
which, except the flax scheme, appear to be in full operation in the county.
Colonel Everard, member of the Board of Agriculture, and chairman of the
agricultural committee, said that the number of persons who have taken
advantage of the schemes has increased year by year, and that the only
scheme which had not been a complete success was the farm and cottage
scheme for which entries had fallen off. Mr. Kennedy, member of the Council
of Agriculture and of the county committee, thinks the Department aims
too high as regards the bulls selected for premiums, and that a second-class
bull, provided he is pure-bred, would suit the purpose, and be cheaper.
Although the live stock schemes have benefited some small farmers, he does
not think much tangible benefit has resulted in the county. After reviewing
the working of other schemes, he says that there has been improvement since
the Act came into force. “ It is not easy to see what you can do, but it is work
in the right direction.” Mr. Steen, also a member of the committee, substan-
tially agrees with Mr. Kennedy, and is of opinion that a good deal of im-
provement has been done under the bull scheme, but there are a great many
improvements which might be carried out. These he proceeds to discuss.
His general conclusion as to the work done by the Department is that as far
as agriculture has gone, it is working well. The Rev. Robert Barry, P.P., had
some complaints to make about the Department’s action in refusing to sanction
the appointment of an agricultural instructor, which was desired by the com-
mittee, on the ground that he was not properly qualified. There is no reason
to suppose that the Department was not, in this respect, acting consistently
with its duty.

No report is published by the Queen’s count}- committee of agriculture.
The committee were represented before us by Colonel Poe, C. B., who had taken
pains to make inquiries at the different centres in the county and to embody
the results in his evidence. Colonel Poe complains of the want of funds to
carry on satisfactorily tl.e various schemes. He contrasts the state of
things when the Department first came into existence with that which now
exists.

“ Thanks, however, to the whole-hearted manner in which the Department has thrown itself
into the work, and to the energy and zeal displayed by its officials, the time has now come when
the people fully realise the value of the instruction which is being given, and the possibilities
which lie before them, if only the Department is prepared to administer the Act in a more
generous and, perhaps I should say, a more judicious manner than they have hitherto been able
to do.”

Louth.

13414-7.

Meath.

14669.

4019-58.

4102.

11080-90.

11709.

15115.

Queen’s County.
11275.

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11280-1.

11282

11285-96.

Westmeath.

11434-42.

11463

3213-41

Wexford.

10850

10850- 64.

10570

10732.

10825.

10487.

10498.

Wicklow.

With regard to the agricultural schemes, Colonel Poe speaks of the
great need in the county of instruction in dairying, and says that the classes
in this subject have been attended with much success. Unfortunately, from
want of funds, the committee have found it necessary to drop poultry instruc-
tion, and a proposal to allow the same instructress to give instruction both
in dairying and in poultry-keeping was refused by the Department. The
committee also, for the same reason, wish to amalgamate agricultural and
horticultural instruction, but no definite proposal appears to have been made
for this purpose. Colonel Poe, also, has some criticism to make upon the live
stock scheme similar to that of Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Steen in Meath, and
would have all bulls used for service registered. The opinion of Queen’s
county seems to be in favour of the further development on the existing lines
of the present schemes, with some modifications and improvements by the aid
of further funds.

No report is published by the committee of county Westmeath.

Sir Walter Nugent, a member of the committee, appeared as their
representative, and expressed the opinion that the Department had done as
well as any Department could do that was not under popular control. He
thinks the cattle scheme has done ;f a great lot of good,” also that the winter
shows and agricultural plots have greatly improved the appearance of the
county, and have made the labourers’ cottages look quite different.

The county has one agricultural instructor, one poultry-keeping, and two
butter-making instructresses, and one horticultural instructor, who also gives
instruction in bee-keeping. He says the itinerant instruction has not been
thought a success, but that butter-making has been a success all over the county.

Mr. Downes, chairman of the county council and a member of the
Council of Agriculture, whose evidence was mainly directed to the con-
stitution of the Department and Agricultural Board, said that in county
Westmeath there had been practically no friction with the Department, that
the schemes, taken as a whole, were well-conceived, and were doing a great
deal of good. “ They are not fully understood by the country yet, but they
are being grappled with by degrees, and I think the country is being
graduall}'- improved by these schemes.”

No report is issued by the agricultural committee of county Wex-
ford. Mr. Frizelle, the secretary of the committee, states that the relations
between his committee and the Department have always been of the most
cordial character, and speaks most warmly of the assistance always afforded
by the officials of the Department. He gives many details in support of this
statement. The live stock schemes, for instance, have, as the result of
negotiations, been brought more into conformity with local wishes.

Mr. Frizelle refers to the establishment of agricultural classes as likely
to do a great deal of good. A great many more pupils might be accepted,
but a great many, owing to the unsatisfactory condition of primary education,
are unable to pass the required examination. Mr. Bolger, Mr. Hore, and
Mr. Codd, members of the committee, are anxious for the establishment in
the county of an agricultural station like Clonakilty.

Mr. Bice, a practical farmer in the county, speaks of the appreciation in
his district of the live stock scheme, and wishes for more premium bulls and
more lectures on rearing young stock and on veterinary matters. Some of
the witnesses speak of the importance of co-operation amongst farmers to
facilitate despatch of agricultural produce. Wexford affords a good instance
of the work of the Department in a prosperous and fertile county.

It is the practice of the committee of agriculture for county Wicklow to
circulate the schemes for the coming year in pamphlet form, containing full
information as to the schemes in force, and all details such as the names and
addresses of the holders of egg distributing stations, and of the owners of
premium bulls, schedules of prizes, list of Department’s leaflets, &c., but no
report is made on the proceedings of the past year.

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The evidence of the chairman of the committee, Mr. Cogan, M.P., has Paragraph 32.
heen quoted in the Report in another connection. With regard to the
relations of the Department with the county committee, he considers the 11792 -
schemes of “ too cast-iron a character.” Mr. Cogan is an advocate of small
model farms.

“We also think, now that the people, through the agency of itinerant lectures and instruction,
have been induced to take a livelier interest in acquiring practical up-to date agricultural know-
ledge, one or two farms from thirty to fifty acres each should be acquired in each county, and
worked as training grounds for the sons of small farmers and agricultural labourers on the German
plan, and which at the same time would act aS models for the farmers of the county ; but it should
be laid down as a primary condition that these farms should be self-supporting and should be
worked on a sound commercial basis, and the accounts and results of their working published
.annually, so that the public could see whether the methods adopted by the experts were successful
and ought to be adopted by themselves or not. I submit this would ha ve been a much more
•effective plan of teaching the agricultural population the most approved scientific and economical
system of farming than the purchase of those large, unwieldy farms of 700 acres in other parts of
Ireland which Professor Campbell referred to in his evidence. If the 2,100 acres had been split
up in this manner in the thirty-three administrative counties of Ireland, they would each have two
farms of over thirty acres each ; and surely if, as is contended, the arable land of Ireland would
pay best in farms of about this size, properly cultivated, this plan would have been the most
natural one to adopt."

This is an excellent statement of a view somewhat widely held. It raises 1181 ''

.an important question of policy which has been dealt with in the Report. 25s asraphs 45 “ 9,243 ,

Mr. O’Kellv, chairman of the county council and of the agricultural 1 4 2 6 0 .

-committee, thinks the time has now arrived when itinerant instructors

would be more usefully employed by giving farmers instruction and

advice at their homes. He also states the committee would like to see

two demonstration farms established in the county; “ so that it could be 14271.

shown from the profit made whether these things are practical or not.”

The Rev. J. R. Willis dealt with the desirability of giving instruction to 11998 .
farmers’ sons at one or two county centres, and also pointed out the danger
of the purchases of poultry for the station at Avondale interfering with 12Q14
local traders. Mr. P. J. Carey, who said that the scheme for improvement 12922’.
in the breed of cattle had been fairly successful, but the pig scheme had been
a comparative failure. He spoke highly of the working of the scheme of
agricultural instruction. Mr. Halpin, a farmer, gave a favourable account
of the working of the live stock scheme, the butter-making scheme, l272i ~ 4:7 -
and the cottage and farm prize schemes. He advocates the develop- 12700
ment of the system of demonstration plots with small model farms of 20
.acres, the Department paying for seeds and manures, and he also strongly
advocates co-operation among farmers and loans for encouragement of 1275G .

planting.

It appears from the print circulated by the committee that for the
current year the committee have provided for 140 nominations of mares, 16
premiums to bulls, 4 premiums to boars, and a special sheep scheme. Under
the poultry scheme provision is made for 13 egg stations for hens and ducks,

-5 for geese, and 5 turkey premiums.

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MEMORANDUM ON CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL QUESTIONS
PREPARED AT THE REQUEST OF THE CHAIRMAN BY
THE HON. JOHN DRYDEN, AND REFERRED TO IN THE
REPORT AS MR. DRYDEN’S MEMORANDUM.

The following notes give in a somewhat condensed form the impressions
in relation to agriculture which have been made upon my mind by a
personal inspection in many parts of Ireland made during the weeks
between the different sittings of the Committee : —

First let me state that I have been agreeably disappointed with the
general condition of this industry in Ireland. From rumours which I had
repeatedly heard, I had received the impression that agriculture generally
was very backward. But after a personal examination, I find that the
extremes in poverty of soil, as well as methods, so often heard refer princi-
pally to the Congested Districts, and a limited area in other parts bordering
on the same conditions.

These lands are not suitable for advanced agriculture. Much of it, as
at present handled, must be subject only to spade cultivation, and cannot
therefore compete with the richer soils found in other parts of the country.
As it forms only a small percentage of the whole, it is manifestly unfair to-
speak of it except as a separate part of the whole country. It is, no doubt,
subject to improvement, but the conditions are such that the whole
district would require to be put in the third or fourth class.

Setting aside these congested districts, and those devoted to supplying
peat, the balance would compare favourably with most countries prominent
in agricultural production as to qualities of soil and possibilities of
improvement in its products.

Under present conditions in Ireland it will not be denied by anyone
conversant with the country that by far the greatest industry is agriculture.
It would seem that for many years, while other countries were forging
ahead in the improvement of the products of the soil, and the education
of the workers in agriculture, in Ireland the general policy was to leave
every man to himself, and so allow the country to drift without proper
guidance. The effect could easily be foretold, causing the country to fall
behind the first place in this industrial race of the nations. Within the last
ten years there has been an awakening in this respect, accompanied by an
earnest desire to render assistance on the part of those charged with the
government of the country. This, as all know, developed into the organisa-
tion of the present Department of Agriculture, with its powers and
authority fixed by the Statute passed in that behalf in the year 1899.

I wish to give, as an outsider, the opinion I have formed of the
probable results of the efforts of the people under the guidance of the
Department thus empowered and equipped to render assistance in this
matter. From observations made, I conclude that many of the people are
impatient as to results. A Department like this cannot be organised in
a year or two. Mistakes in plans as well as appointments are inevitable.
But even if this were not so, the number who can be reached in the
beginning are, for various reasons, exceedingly limited.

In the introduction of improved methods, as well as improved live
stock, it takes a considerable time to permeate to the masses of the people —
ignorance, prejudice, jealousy are all arrayed against those charged with
working a revolution in this industry.

Little by little these may be overcome, but it will not be hastily accom-
plished. Patience and perseverance must be steadily exercised before the
entire lump can be leavened.

From observation and inquiry, I am confident a good beginning has
been made, but the full benefit has not been realised as yet, and indeed, in
my judgment, it is still some years in the distance. Influences of this kind
increase and multiply as the years go by. The advance in the tenth year
will no doubt be more than ten times that of the first year. It is like the
child’s snowball— the more it rolls the faster it gathers.

My impression is that the ideals of those charged with the control of
the Department are in the main correct. Two things have been promi-
nently before them — First to prepare for the obligations which the future
will surely bring by fitting young men and young women both to teach and
to practise the principles of higher agriculture. To this end several

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institutions are already in operation, and others are preparing where the
necessary training can be given. At the head of these stands the College
at Glasnevin, which, when it is complete, will send out annually a number
of young men well equipped both for teaching and practising the most
approved methods of agriculture. Surely this is the first great need,
inasmuch as it will consume years before the real results can be reached.
Following this, and coupled with it, are other schools or stations where the
practical work of the farm is made the prominent feature, being coupled
with a shorter course of instruction only intended to prepare the young
man or woman for work on his own farm, and not to become a teacher of
others. An example of this is the farm now in operation at Athenry, as
well as the Munster Institute for girls and the work at Clonakilty. But all
these schools, though necessary, touch only a limited number of the popula-
tion, and while good as far as they go, do not at all reach the mass of the
people at present engaged in this industry. If these were left to shift for
themselves the Department would very properly be subject to severe and
just criticism. The controlling authorities have seen this, and in addition
to schools and colleges have by numerous ingenious methods attempted to
reach the different branches of the industry.

I will mention these separately. Take as the first the scheme adopted for
the improvement of poultry. It was entirely new to me, and is specially
adapted to supply the needs of the labourer and small farmer, who in their
present position are unable to help themselves.

The schemes combine very accurately, I think, local control with the
granting of aid by the controlling authority. The management of these
schemes is very wisely given to the County Council in each section. The
Councils appoint a Committee, to whom is given the working of the details
of the scheme adopted. I assume the object in appointing a Committee
of the Council is that a smaller body would be able to meet more frequently,
and generally control the practical work with greater ease and accuracy.
But in some counties the whole Council are on this Committee, and in
addition a number of others, making the whole number fifty, sixty, and
even one hundred. To me this makes it unwieldy and cumbrous, and does
not tend towards efficiency. I would prefer to fix by statute some limit
to these Committees, and especially as I have observed that the best
work is done by the smaller Committee. The Committee of the
County Council selects the farmers in the various districts suitable to be
their agent and employee in scattering in the surrounding country a better
variety of eggs for hatching. He is required to put away all mongrel or
cross-bred fowls, and accept and care for the fowls of the particular breed
selected according to instructions supplied by the Inspector of the Depart-
ment. These fowls are furnished him, and on the understanding that
he supplies at one shilling per dozen at least seventy settings of eggs each
season, he receives £5 from the Department. In order to interest the
people in the scheme a lady is employed as an itinerant instructor, holding-
meetings, visiting cottages, and stirring the people to take advantage of
the opportunities offered. It has appeared to me that this scheme has very
much to commend it, and it is easily seen that when in most districts of the
country this work is in progress, that the whole egg and poultry product
will soon be revolutionised. The increased output, as well as the improved
quality, must add materially to the receipts of the people engaged in it.
Besides this, the improved methods of housing and caring for the poultry
will guard them from disease and much loss on that account. These are
what are spoken of in the evidence as “ Egg Stations.”

In one county only a different means is adopted to scatter among the
people eggs of many of the improved breeds. Twenty-two acres are set apart
as a poultry farm, and an efficient man well versed in all the knowledge
required for breeding and handling to the best advantage any or all the
different breeds of fowls placed in charge. It is situated in Cullybackey
in the County of. Antrim. When I visited it, there were about
1,000 birds of various breeds and ages. From this farm as a centre
the eggs as well as young chickens are scattered throughout the county at
moderate prices. Besides this, it is intended as an object lesson where
visitors can come and see how to handle and manage them, and obtain any

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information needed. It is claimed that the scheme is working well, especi-
ally as a lady itinerant instructor has been employed in going from place to
place addressing and stimulating the people to take advantage of the
scheme as here operated.

I doubt, however, if this scheme is so well adapted for the country
generally as the “Egg Station” scheme, which is much more simple and
more easily put in motion.

I ought to say that this poultry farm is under the control of the County
Committee, and, I understand, pays its way, and has a small sum to its
credit. It may be well to have one or two such farms where superior birds
can be produced for the benefit of the various Egg Stations.

There is still another form of instruction just being tested this season,
and is intended to supplement and put into practice the itinerant instruction
ordinarily given. I call it a “Perambulating Poultry Farm.” An acre
or two of suitable land is selected and fenced, which contains, say, two
pens of different improved breeds of poultry, with ducks or geese added, if
required. This farm is located for a period of “ six weeks,” and is pro-
vided with buildings so constructed as to be easily taken down and set up
again. There are as well incubators and all other appliances ordinarily
used by any poultry raiser. The class meet here from day to day, chickens
are hatched and cared for, and each member of the class is required to
actually do all the work, and take entire charge from time to time.

In other words, besides being taught the theory they learn how to do
all that is necessary by actually doing it, which is, after all, the only true
way to become efficient.

I was greatly impressed with the value of this scheme, and feel sure
that after a county had been covered a few times the instruction necessary
for the best production would have permeated everywhere. These poultry
schemes in some form are in operation in every part of Ireland, and in a
few years must increase the annual revenue from poultry by a very con-
siderable sum.

Next I refer to the attempt to bring about an improvement of the cattle
of the country. Here a similar scheme has been devised, and, I understand,
was first put in operation by the Royal Dublin Agricultural Society, only
on a much smaller scale. It consists of a bonus, or premium, as it is called,
given to some farmer selected by the Committee on condition that he gives
to his neighbours the use of the bull for forty cows at one shilling each.

The premium now is £15 per annum for three and even four years,
and is a liberal allowance for the purpose. Nearly one thousand of these
bulls are placed in the different counties this year, all of them having
passed an inspection by the official inspector appointed by the Department,
and all of them being registered as belonging to one of the improved breeds.
These at present in use are not sufficient to cover every part, but the
influence must rapidly widen and very soon make a distinct improvement
on the annual output.

A large percentage of those now in use are Shorthorns, with a few
Polled Angus, Hereford and Galloway, the latter being used in the poorer
districts. If care be taken in the selection of the _ bulls, the milking quali-
ties can be preserved, while the output of beef will be vastly increased in
value.

A strong feeling is prevalent among many of the farmers that they
should be allowed to use cross-bred bulls of approved type in addition to
the pure-bred or registered bulls, to which they are now confined. They
base their appeal upon differing statements as follows : —

(1.) The difficulty now experienced in securing a. sufficient num-
ber of satisfactory registered animals owing to the present excessive
demand.

(2.) The very high prices of the best pedigreed animals placing
them entirely beyond the reach of the majority desiring improve-
ment.

(3.) If graded bulls could be encouraged, they would displace the
inferior scrubs now extensively used, and prepare the way for the
registered pedigree bulls.

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(4.) The total number of bulls available for selection for a pre-
mium would be greatly increased.

I am free to confess that this presentation of the case calls forth my
sympathy, and I think is worthy of being considered. The carrying it
out is, however, beset with numerous difficulties which will appear to most
■ persons entirely insurmountable. To select for service an unregistered
cross-bred bull, without regard to his breeding, even though he presented
a good appearance, might lead the owner backward and not forward. On
the other hand, non-pedigree bulls might be found tracing backward
through a number of well-formed individuals of really good breeding,
especially on the side of the sires. Bulls sired by registered bulls, and out
of these well-bred though unregistered cows would be a vast improvement
on the inferior scrubs, with neither breeding nor proper conformation, now
comprising the vast majority in use in Ireland. But how could such
selection be effected ? I fear the officers of the Department would shudder
at the thought of attempting it. It could only be done by a personal
examination of the different individuals, and a consideration of the breed-
ing in each case. A pedigree is valuable, not merely because it is registered
in the Herd Book, but because it reveals in the ancestry a continuous line
of superior individuals, which guarantees a prepotent power to transmit
the good qualities shown to every descendant. Such prepotency may be
found in families never yet accepted for registration, and the contrary is
also true : that it is not always seen in those accepted in and shown in the
Herd Book. .... .

To encourage the use of non-pedigreed bulls indiscriminately would, m
my judgment, be ruinous in the extreme. Only those carefully bred for
several generations should in any case be encouraged. These, after inspec-
tion, might be accepted for registration in a special record arranged for
the purpose, with the view of allowing the use of sires of such breeding
when a definite stage had been reached, provided the quality of the indivi-
dual would warrant it.

These sires would naturally be less expensive, and might call for a
smaller premium, and, if desirable, be . designated . for special districts,
but always, as at present, subject to a rigid inspection as to quality, sub-
stance and constitution.

If I were guiding such an inspection, especially of Shorthorn grades,

I would insist ‘on the milking qualities being kept prominently in view,
with the idea of encouraging the greatest combined production of milk and
beef possible. A beef animal without milking properties is entirely un-
suitable to the majority of farmers in Ireland, however well they may
answer on the ranching areas of other countries.

The above is the only plan which presents itself to me by which it
would be safe to depart at all from present methods. Whether it is worth
while thus to stimulate the grading up of the best among the present herds
of non-pedigree cattle, I must leave for the decision of those in authority.
If it could be done, it would prove the highest incentive to reserve in indivi-
dual herds the choicest females, and thus gradually bring them to a much
higher standard.*

A scheme somewhat similar to that for cattle is in operation f or the
improvement of swine. Premium boars are selected, and placed in a simi-
lar manner to the bulls, the object being to improve the bacon output, much
of which is exported to England. Unfortunately, in some sections, a strong
prejudice exists against the introduction of any foreign breed. I have heard
the whole case for and against put upon the shape of the ear, the farmer
declaring he would not produce a pig whose ears did not lop downwards
rather than stand erect. Others dislike to see hair on the pig, but prefer
to see the skin practically bare. It is a pity that such fads or prejudices
should stand in the way of improvement, but this is not peculiar to Ireland.
Similar prejudices require to be overcome in other countries. The real
question which the farmer should consider is what breed will produce at
the least cost the best bacon. It is not merely weight of a given quantity
which is required, but a proper weight of flesh as against fat.

* Note by Mr. Dryden, dated 6th May, 1907. Since my last return from Canada,. I have
been informed that the Department has already set in motion an inspection and registration
along the lines here presented.

U 2

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The shape or size of the ear is a matter of small importance, but the
character of the product is of prime importance, and must be attended to
if the best markets are to be held for Irish bacon.

The Horse Scheme is worked on a somewhat different manner. The
stallion is selected and inspected the same as in other schemes referred to,
but instead of a definite sum the County Committee pay the owner the usual
fee of two, three, or four pounds for the service of each mare. In some
counties these mares are selected or nominated by judges appointed for the
purpose. The improvement of the horse is more difficult than any other
class of live stock. There are in every country so many opinions as to what
is best and what cross is suitable for the district, that it is always found
very difficult to unite the people in a co-operative way. In Ireland, how-
ever, I have found more than ordinary unanimity of action, and T have no
doubt in most parts much improvement is going on.

I have repeatedly heard a demand expressed for the restoration of
what is called “ The Irish Draught Horse.” No doubt a species of horses
once existed in Ireland known by that name. So far as I know they were
never registered, but from the best known facts they were originally pro-
duced by two brothers living, I believe, in or near the County of Kildare.
From these studs as a centre they were scattered into different parts of
Ireland and gave immense satisfaction.

They are described as heavy bodied, rather low set, yet smart, with
clean, strong limbs, good style and action. I can readily imagine that such
a horse would for many parts of Ireland be extremely useful. The Clyde
or Shire are too heavy and slow. The loads drawn are not heavy, and
therefore a horse more alert and active meets the necessities for plough,
cart, and gig better than a greater weight. At all events, it seems clear
that the so-called Irish Draught Horse has a fast hold on the memories of
the agricultural population, and hence the demand for its restoration. It
is not strange that the peculiar conditions in Ireland should demand a
different style of horse than Scotland or England, where the situation and
needs are different, but, so far as I can learn, these horses have entirely
passed out of existence.

It is said that the brothers’ families who originated them died out
altogether, and with them the horses disappeared also. Whether they can
ever be restored again is a question yet unanswered. The Department, I
understand, have undertaken it, but this is scarcely such work as should
be assigned to a public branch of Government.

It cannot be handed to any official to work out. The guiding spirit in
such a work must have time and must also be gifted with an intuition to
choose wisely among different specimens so as to fix the type required. To
produce one animal is not enough. The object is to found a family with
the required characteristics and power to transmit them. The sires should
be possessed with prepotency, so as to leave their impress on the ordinary
breeding mare. I am informed that, answering to the call of the Depart-
ment, five stallions of the original type have been discovered, but althougn
every encouragement has been held out, no mares have, so far, been
presented.

The Department have lately opened a Record in which stallions of the
desired type are to be registered, the object being to stimulate the further
production of horses of this type and preserve them in a distinct class.
The ideal set forth in the Department’s leaflet is as follows : — Not less than
fifteen hands high — short, clean flat legs — well-set joints — good feet —
good head and rein — well laid back shoulders — indications throughout of
power to do general farm and harness work — action free and light stepping.
It is further stated t\iat horses for draught purposes is what is required,
ov. • a A 1 1 11 ^ als k^f'bred hunter type, or showing a distinct trace

of Shire, Clydesdale, or Hackney blood will not be eligible, and will not
be inspected.

Then, in reference to the tillage of the soil, application of manures,
e f'::' iafe !? ee ^ surprised at the efforts to improve present methods.
a system of what is called itinerant instruction has been devised, which
means that an Instructor appointed in any one of the branches travels from

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153

point to point in his territory, holding meetings, giving advice and direc-
tion to all who will receive it. These are divided into four main branches
or divisions, viz., Agriculture, Horticulture, Poultry, and Butter-making,
while in some parts Bee-keeping is added. In all the 32 counties, except
Donegal, these instructors are working in one or more branches. In
1906 there were 21 giving instruction in Agriculture and Horticulture,
28 in Poultry-raising, and 24 Butter instructors. The success of this work
depends largely on the ability of the instructor. _ In many counties where
I have been the instructor has become exceedingly popular, and accordingly
is in great demand, and astonishing statements are made as to benefits
received. In other cases the influence is not so marked, nor does the
enthusiasm run so high. Still, when one remembers that in Ireland there
are nearly one hundred itinerant instructors working the year round, it is
plain that in a few years the whole country will have been reached and
more correct methods instituted.

In connection with both Agriculture and Horticulture numerous test-
ing and experimental plots are seen in different parts showing the
advantage of better seed, suitable manures, newer varieties, and better
methods of tillage. I have in my cursory examination seen wonderful
results in the value of the crops growing side by side. One gentleman
conveyed the information that a field which in the past had been more or
less barren had, by the use of suitable manures, developed into a veritable
goldmine.

These plots are all seen on land worked by average farmers of the
district, and serve as the best possible lesson to their neighbours.

The influence is, in my judgment, more decided and more likely to be
followed than when it is seen on a Government-owned farm. In the latter
case men are wont to say — “ Oh, yes, it is all very well for the Government,
with no end of money and assistance, to show good returns. How can I
compete with them ? Or, how can I, an ordinary farmer, copy it ?” All
this is avoided when the example is shown on an ordinary crop of a neigh-
bouring farmer. Some there are who strongly advocate numerous Govern-
ment farms in every district, and especially in the congested areas. I am
fully persuaded this would be a decided blunder. A far better effect
would be produced by inducing a farmer here and there to adopt the new
scheme, or plan of operation, concerning which improvement is desired.
When he is seen doing it, his neighbour immediately concludes, “ If Jim
or Pat can do that, so can I, and I believe I can beat him, too.” It is the
same in every country, and is accounted for only by the strange perversity
of human nature. Government farms, as a mere example, will generally
fail in accomplishing any improvement in the ordinary man’s methods. It
is much better, and certainly much less expensive, to educate him by
repeated lessons and stimulate him through his neighbour in like circum-
stances than to establish a fancy farm which he is inclined to consider far
above him, and hence impossible to copy.

In Horticulture, the instructor, besides delivering lectures, giving
advice, etc., superintends and directs the planting of fruit and garden
plots. Where the farmer desires to commence fruit-growing as a business,
the Department undertakes to furnish trees of the most suitable varieties
for his district at the lowest possible price. The Department also furnish
expert advice as to planting, cultivation, trimming of trees, etc. The
result is that in many sections considerable areas are being devoted to this
branch of Agriculture. The results are, I believe, almost certain, and I
have no doubt that in ten years’ time a very pronounced additional income
will be received from this source where none exists at present. In many
parts of Ireland both climate and soil are admirably adapted for the pro-
duction of the best fruit. The market is unlimited, so that the outlook in
this direction gives strength and permanency to the efforts now put forth.

The Instruction in Dairying and Poultry-raising is almost entirely
given by lady instructors, and is spoken of everywhere in terms of high
commendation. There is, perhaps, no branch of Agriculture where the
need for some change in the methods employed was more apparent than in
these. In Poultry the varieties used needed new blood, or to be entirely
displaced by other varieties more profitable. Improper housing and manage-
ment had developed unhealthy stock, from which it was impossible to secure

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154

had developed unhealthy stock, from which it was impossible to secure
good results. The scheme adopted I have already described, and the finan-
cial results are already making a distinct impression Some do not hesitate
to say that the money value of the Poultry has advanced fully 20 to 25
per cent. This is a large increase so early after the instructors began.
Prom this time it will rapidly increase. The climate seems admirably

adapted to permit of the very best results.

No attempt appears -to be made by the officers of the Department in
dairying, except in one direction. There are no lessons on cheese-making
which have come under my observation, but the main object has been to
secure the best results in the home butter-making. The lady instructors
have been diligently purusing their efforts in this work all over the country.
I have seen some of the classes at work, and the arrangements are well
adapted to produce the best results. What these are can be seen in any of
the numerous butter-making competitions now being held in many places ;
some of which I was greatly interested to witness. Some there are who
are so delighted with the change now being seen as to prophesy that home
butter-making will in time replace the creamery system. I am not so
optimistic of this result, but I mention it as showing the satisfaction with
the work being accomplished. Like everything else in this line, it takes
time to show full results. In these classes the girls are quite young in
many cases, and when one thinks of the entire reversal m methods, we
cannot wonder that all are not at first accepted. The best educator who
can give effect to all this instruction is the purchaser who will readily
advance the price for a superior article. In some markets this is done at
present, and affords the best stimulus possible for the production of the
best quality. It will ultimately become general, and then the instructor
will be more welcome than ever.

I must not omit to mention the effort to improve the home life of some
of the rural districts. Anyone who travels through and becomes at all
intimate with the style of living in many of these homes, especially in the
poorer areas, will be most ready to speak in approving terms of any
attempt to remedy what is only too apparent.

Houses of the rudest and most antiquated construction, with low
ceilings, little light, the earth for flooring, or stones anything but smooth,
and which only gather and retain filth, may be seen in many parts of
Ireland.

There is no attempt at cleanliness, and there is no wonder when disease
gets a foothold in such a dwelling, it is practically impossible to eradicate
it. There seems to the onlooker not a semblance of comfort in such a home.
The farm animals, especially the poultry, find in it a common resort with
the members of the family. Generations have come and gone in. these
homes, and no wonder that ambition for something better has apparently
died out. The people, if not satisfied, are acquiescent in their unfortunate
position.

I was pleased, therefore, to see that the Department is grappling with
this problem. While another body is attempting to furnish for the
labourers, and also to some extent the small farmers, with more modern
although still very humble cottages, the Department have instituted instruc-
tion on a considerable scale in domestic economy. This is a large subject,
and covers a great many divisions. There is little hope of awakening in
the minds of the older people any desire for great changes. But the young
people taught in their youth the blessings which come to them by observing
cleanly habits, and preparing simple food according to the most approved
methods, become ambitious to reach a higher ideal. I have seen some of
these improved homes; indeed in many places they can be selected by the
passer-by.

It may be the old window is removed and a larger inserted; a delicate
curtain, clean as new fallen snow shows behind. The window is raised,
so that the fresh air finds its way inside. A pot of bright, flowers is seen
on the window sill. The outside of the dwelling is freshly limed. All
these can be seen in many parts where the influence of the New Gospel of
better home life has found its way. Better food follows, while simple
comforts are from time to time added. Those living in better dwellings

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155

find also much real help from this branch of work. This is all very com-
mendable, and will in time prove a National blessing, strengthening the
ties which bind the people to their home-land, and increasing the spirit or
loyalty, whether at home or abroad.

In close connection with all these schemes comes another agency which
gives a splendid opportunity for comparing results and stimulating
increased effort. I refer to the numerous Exhibitions all over the country,
which are receiving aid more or less from the public funds I he best

ideals are here presented in the various departments, and thus patterns
are set to which the people look and follow after under the guidance of the
various instructors. In many sections great enthusiasm prevails. 1 saw
a County Exhibition at Ballymena, where some eight or ten thousand were
gathered to witness or take part in the proceedings. The effect must tend
towards superior production, especially when so many agencies are em-
ployed to give the needed guidance. , , , ,

There are two things to which I think still more attention should be
given Undoubtedly those showing the greatest need for help and at the
fame time the most difficult to reach are the smaller farmers all over the
country, and especially in the congested areas. It seems to me that the
conditions are so different as to call for schemes specially adapted for these
people. Some among them are already reached, but others, whether from
preiudice or more legitimate reasons, I fear are standing aloof. .Person-
ally, I confess my sympathies go out to these poor people struggling tor a
bare existence. If it could be found, the condition of many would be much
improved if placed on better soil, where there is less solid rock and a larger
area of soil for cultivation. I have no doubt those in authority will agree
with the desire I have expressed, and as opportunity offers will devise
methods for the amelioration of distress among this class.

The second great need, and which comes naturally as a supplement to
all the work I have attempted to describe, is “ further organised co-opera-
tion.” This need is felt in many places in Ireland, where the buyer and
producer should be brought in touch with each other.

In the marketing of agricultural products the fewer the middlemen
the greater the returns to the producer. And it is equally true the greater
the results of agricultural production the greater is the prosperity of all
sections of the community. The whole nation is therefore, interested in
the best markets being reached. Only let this also be done by self-help,
and not entirely outside those most interested. Organisations can be
effected among the producers which will overcome the difficulty. But some
one in authority should lead in this as in other phases of the work.

There are also other directions in which organised effort would be. of
decided advantage. Take, for instance, flax growing. The information
freely offered is to the effect that while the profit m the production of this
crop is satisfactory where sufficient suitable labour is at hand as well as
the proper appliances for preparing the product for the market, yet the
area of flax in some sections seems gradually being reduced, and large
quantities are now being imported from the Continent. Here is a case for
organised effort. The difficulty is not in the growing of the flax, but rather
in the handling of it afterwards. In other words, the growing and the
preparation for market are two separate operations. Let the first be done
by the farmer and the second by co-operation, and the farmer would receive
his full share of the benefit.

More might be written of the commendable efforts now put forth tor
the improvement of Irish agriculture,, but I have said enough to give the
reader who has not witnessed it a fair idea of its scope and probable effects.

In conclusion, I have no hesitation in expressing the opinion that the
agricultural work now carried on in Ireland is worthy of the nation, having
the effect of drawing the differing elements more closely together, and in
various other ways will bring about the most beneficial results, the full
effect of which will' only be clearly seen in the years to come.

JOHN DRYDEN.

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DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION

(IRELAND),

DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE OE INQUIRY,

jfnstnitb to belli f)mtsos .of |jarliam.mi bj) fetmattb of gjis pajcstg.

DUBLIN:

FEINTED FOE HIS MAJESTY’S STATIONEEY OFFICE,,

BY ALEXANDER THOM AND CO. (LIMITED),

And to be purchased, either directly, or through any Bookseller, from
E, Ponsonby, 116, Grafton-street, Dublin; or
WymadJ and Sons, (Ltd,), Fetter-lane, E.C., and
32, Abingdon-street, Westminster, S.W, : or
Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh.

REPORT

OF THE

1907.

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Full text of "Report of the Departmental Committee of Inquiry into the Provisions of Agricultural and Technical Instruction (Ireland) Act, 1899"

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